Sandwich Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Sandwich, a built-up area within Dover, reveal a crime rate of 111.7 per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This figure surpasses the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, indicating a higher incidence of crime compared to the national average. While crime rates have been decreasing overall, a closer examination of specific crime types is warranted. Understanding these patterns and trends is crucial for community safety and informing preventative measures. This report provides a detailed analysis of crime trends in Sandwich, offering insights and practical advice for residents.

Sandwich, within Dover, exhibits a concerning pattern of crime types. Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 42.8% of recorded incidents (163 crimes). Anti-social behaviour contributes significantly, representing 15% of incidents (57 crimes). Shoplifting is also a notable issue, with 32 reported incidents. Other offences, including criminal damage and arson (32 crimes), public order offences (19 crimes), and theft (18 crimes), further contribute to the overall crime landscape. The presence of vehicle crime (17 crimes) and drug-related offences (14 crimes) also warrants attention. While burglary remains relatively low (9 crimes), the overall distribution suggests a complex interplay of factors influencing crime rates within the built-up area.

Crime rates in Sandwich have been decreasing by a significant 16.6% year-on-year. Examining the monthly data reveals fluctuations, with a peak in March 2025 (12.6 per 1,000/month) and a notable low in October 2025 (5.0 per 1,000/month). The subsequent months (November and December) show a slight increase, but remain below the March peak. This overall downward trend suggests the effectiveness of ongoing preventative measures and community initiatives, although continued vigilance is necessary.

How To Keep Safe in Sandwich

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's vital to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas and consider travelling in groups. Due to concerns around shoplifting, be vigilant when shopping and keep valuables secure. Secure your vehicles, particularly overnight, by parking in well-lit areas and ensuring all doors and windows are locked. Finally, report any suspicious activity to the authorities promptly. Being proactive and informed is key to personal safety in Sandwich.

Criminal activity in Sandwich displays a varied pattern throughout the day. Burglary incidents are more prevalent during the afternoon and evening hours, with a peak in the night (12am-6am). Theft is most common during commercial hours, particularly in the afternoon. Vehicle crime tends to be higher overnight, between 11pm and 6am. Violence and sexual offences, however, show a tendency to occur during the evening and late-night hours, especially on weekends.

Compared to neighbouring areas, Sandwich's crime rate stands out. Worth and Weddington report zero crime, offering a stark contrast. Woodnesborough has a lower rate of 43.2 per 1,000, while Cliffs End experiences a higher rate of 68.1 per 1,000. This disparity highlights the localised nature of crime and the varied safety profiles of surrounding communities. The significant difference in crime rates underscores the importance of understanding the specific factors contributing to crime in Sandwich.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide footage after a crime has occurred – a reactive measure. The right security system proactively prevents incidents from happening. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, offers a different approach. It detects threats at your property boundary using multi-camera intelligence, instantly verifying vehicles with DVLA data and learning your family’s routines to distinguish genuine risks from harmless activity. Unlike DIY systems that simply notify you after a break-in, scOS intervenes in real-time, activating lights and speakers to deter potential intruders. Many burglars make their decision within the first 60 seconds; the visible presence of a professional system like scOS, signalling serious protection, often leads them to move on.