Guston Crime Rate

Guston is a secure and peaceful urban settlement located within the Dover local authority, featuring an overall crime rate of 47.6 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.1, resulting in an excellent safety score of 89/100. However, the community has experienced a notable 51.6% increase in crime over the past year, a trend that warrants attention from residents. The property crime rate is also relatively low at 19.3, compared to the UK average of 32.9. As a residential area situated near the major transport links of Dover, Guston offers a high degree of security, but the recent upward trend suggests a shift in the local landscape. This report provides a detailed breakdown of the crime types and trends in Guston.

Crime Breakdown in Guston

Analysis of Guston's crime data shows that violence and sexual offences are the most frequent incidents, accounting for 26 crimes or 27.7% of the total. This is followed by 'other theft' at 13.8% and vehicle crime at 12.8%. While personal safety is a key concern, property-related crime is a major factor in the local landscape.

The overall property crime rate in Guston is 19.3 per 1,000 people, which is notably lower than the UK average of 32.9. However, within this category, vehicle crime is particularly prominent, making up one-eighth of all reported incidents. Other property crimes include burglary (4.3%), bicycle theft (2.1%), and shoplifting (1.1%). Criminal damage and arson also contribute 6.4% to the total. For residents, this indicates that while the risk of home burglary is relatively low, vehicles are a primary target for opportunist criminals. The combined total of theft, vehicle crime, and burglary suggests that property protection, especially for vehicles parked overnight, is a critical priority for homeowners in Guston.

Crime Trends in Guston

The long-term trend for Guston is concerning, with an overall 51.6% increase in crime year-over-year. This indicates that the area has become significantly more active recently. Monthly data shows that the crime rate peaked in August 2025 at 8.1 per 1,000 people, with another notable high in July at 6.1.

Conversely, the area saw its lowest activity in March 2025, with the rate dropping to 2.0 per 1,000. These fluctuations show a clear seasonal increase in crime during the summer months. Despite these shifts, the general trend is sharply upward, which is an important sign for the community. For residents, this means that increased vigilance and improved property security are essential to counter the rising volume of local incidents.

How To Keep Safe in Guston

The most common crime in Guston is violence and sexual offences, followed by 'other theft' and vehicle crime. While the area is generally safe, taking specific precautions can help you stay secure.

1. Pay close attention to vehicle security, as vehicle crime is a major contributor to local statistics, especially during the night (61% of night-time reports). Always park in a well-lit area or a secure garage.
2. Ensure your home is locked and secure during the afternoon and evening hours, as these are the times when burglary is most likely to occur (15% of incidents).
3. Be mindful of 'other theft' in public and residential areas; keep valuables out of sight and secure any outdoor equipment or bicycles.
4. Keep the perimeter of your property well-defined and well-lit to deter opportunist criminal damage or vandalism, which accounts for 6.4% of local crime.
5. Join or support your local neighbourhood watch scheme to stay informed about any unusual activity or specific safety concerns in the Guston community, especially given the recent 51.6% increase in crime.

Crime Time Patterns in Guston

Criminal activity in Guston follows distinct patterns throughout the day. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the primary concern, accounting for 53% and 61% of incidents respectively. This suggests that opportunist theft is most likely to occur during standard daylight hours when residents may be away from their homes.

As evening approaches, the focus shifts toward vehicle crime and burglary. Between 6pm and midnight, vehicle crime accounts for 32% of incidents. The most significant shift occurs during the night-time hours (12am to 6am), where vehicle crime surges to a massive 61% of all reported incidents. Burglary also remains a factor during this period at 14%. This data indicates that while the area is very safe during the day, vehicle security is under intense threat during the hours of darkness, requiring robust and automated protection.

Guston is one of the safer residential options in the region, especially when compared to its larger neighbours. It is substantially safer than Dover, which has a much higher crime rate of 159.2, and also outperforms Whitfield (82.3). It is statistically similar to St Margaret's at Cliffe (49.4), though Guston has seen a more significant increase in crime recently. In contrast, the very small, tranquil village of East Studdal recorded no crimes. This comparison highlights Guston's status as a safe residential area that is currently experiencing a rise in local activity, making it more active than the most remote rural settlements but much more secure than the main urban centres.

In Guston, where the property crime rate is 19.3 per 1,000 but vehicle crime is a major night-time concern (61% of incidents), the limitations of traditional security are obvious. Reactive systems like standard CCTV or doorbell cameras only provide footage after a crime has been committed. For residents here, the objective is to prevent any interference with their vehicles or property in the first place.

scOS offers a proactive alternative by using AI to monitor your property's boundaries in real-time. It doesn't just record; it identifies potential threats as they approach your home or driveway. For example, scOS can recognize a person loitering near your vehicle at 3am and trigger an immediate response, such as activating high-intensity security lights or an audible warning. This destroys the element of surprise that criminals rely on and often deters them within 60 seconds. With multi-camera intelligence and DVLA vehicle verification, scOS provides a level of professional protection that actively maintains Guston's safety standards by preventing crime before it happens, especially important given the recent 51.6% increase in local crime.