St Margaret's at Cliffe Crime Rate

Crime statistics for St Margaret's at Cliffe, Dover, indicate an annual crime rate of 51.5 incidents per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This figure is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a comparatively safer environment. However, the specific types of crime occurring warrant careful consideration. While the overall safety score stands at a reassuring 89 out of 100, a recent downward trend in crime rates – a decrease of 10.1% year-on-year – offers a positive outlook. Understanding the nature of these incidents and the factors contributing to them is crucial for maintaining and improving the safety and well-being of the community.

The crime landscape in St Margaret's at Cliffe reveals a concerning pattern, with violence and sexual offences being the most prevalent, accounting for 31.4% of recorded incidents. There were 53 reported cases, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and community safety initiatives. Anti-social behaviour follows closely, with 34 incidents (20.1%) disrupting the peace and impacting the quality of life for residents. Criminal damage and arson also contribute significantly, at 18.3% (31 crimes). While property crime is comparatively lower than the UK average, with 17.7 incidents per 1,000 residents annually, the overall mix of offences presents a complex challenge. The relatively low rates of burglary (5.3 per 1,000) and vehicle crime (2.1 per 1,000) suggest specific areas of concern require targeted interventions to address the root causes of these incidents and foster a safer environment for all.

Crime rates in St Margaret's at Cliffe have demonstrated a positive downward trend, decreasing by 10.1% year-on-year. This improvement is reflected in the monthly data, which reveals fluctuations but an overall decreasing pattern. For example, after a peak of 5.5 incidents per 1,000 residents in April and May 2025, the rate gradually declined, reaching 3.4 per 1,000 in November and 3.7 in December. This reduction suggests that ongoing crime prevention initiatives and increased community engagement are proving effective. Continued monitoring and adaptation of strategies will be essential to sustain this positive momentum.

How To Keep Safe in St Margaret's at Cliffe

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Avoid walking through poorly lit areas and consider carrying a personal safety alarm. Due to the incidence of anti-social behaviour, reporting any suspicious activity to the police is vital. Be mindful of your belongings in public spaces to reduce the risk of theft. Secure your home and vehicles properly, ensuring doors and windows are locked and car alarms are activated. Finally, consider joining or supporting local neighbourhood watch schemes to build community resilience and share safety information.

The timing of crimes in St Margaret's at Cliffe reveals some interesting patterns. Burglary incidents show a slight concentration in the afternoon (22%), while vehicle crime is more prevalent during the night (28%). The evening period, between 6pm and 12am, sees a higher proportion of other crime types, suggesting a need for increased patrols during these hours. Overall, the distribution of crime isn’t heavily skewed towards any single time frame, but understanding these tendencies can inform targeted prevention strategies.

Comparing St Margaret's at Cliffe to its neighbours, Guston presents a slightly lower crime rate at 45.1 per 1,000, while Kingsdown is considerably safer with a rate of 24.9 per 1,000. Conversely, Whitfield (Dover) experiences a higher crime rate of 80.4 per 1,000, and Dover itself has a significantly elevated rate of 160.2 per 1,000. This variation underscores the importance of examining local crime patterns and understanding the specific challenges faced by each community within the Dover area.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide a record of a crime after it has occurred. However, the right security system can be proactive. Consider a system like scOS, which leverages AI to detect threats at your property boundary before they escalate. scOS’s multi-camera intelligence constantly monitors your property, instantly verifying vehicles against the DVLA database and learning your family’s routines to distinguish genuine threats from normal activity. The visible presence of professional-grade security equipment, such as that offered by scOS, can act as a powerful deterrent, often causing potential intruders to reconsider their plans. The 60-second decision point for many burglars is critical – scOS makes that decision easy for them: move on.