Wingham Crime Rate

Wingham is an exceptionally safe and peaceful urban settlement within the Dover local authority, featuring an overall crime rate of 36.2 per 1,000 people. This is among the lowest in the region and is significantly better than the UK national average of 93.1, earning the area an outstanding safety score of 91/100. However, the community has seen a 14.3% increase in crime over the past year, a trend that warrants attention from residents. The property crime rate is also extremely low at 12.5, compared to the UK average of 32.9. As a quiet residential area situated between Canterbury and Sandwich, Wingham offers a high degree of security for its residents. This report provides a detailed breakdown of the crime types and trends that contribute to the area's safe environment.

Crime Breakdown in Wingham

Wingham is an exceptionally safe residential area where violence and sexual offences are the most frequent incidents, accounting for 21 crimes or 32.8% of the total. This is followed by criminal damage and arson at 14.1% and public order at 10.9%. While personal safety is a key concern, property-related crime is a consistent factor in the local data.

The overall property crime rate in Wingham is 12.5 per 1,000 people, which is much lower than the UK average of 32.9. This category includes 'other theft' (10.9%), vehicle crime (4.7%), burglary (3.1%), and shoplifting (1.6%). Criminal damage and arson also contribute 14.1% to the total. For residents, this indicates that while the risk of home burglary is statistically very low, property damage and opportunist theft are more frequent concerns. The combined total of theft, vehicle crime, and burglary suggests that property protection, especially for outdoor assets and vehicles parked overnight, is a priority for homeowners in Wingham. Maintaining high standards of security for homes and outbuildings is essential for preserving the area's safe environment.

Crime Trends in Wingham

The long-term trend for Wingham is positive overall, though there has been a 14.3% increase in crime year-over-year. This indicates that the area has become slightly more active recently. Monthly data shows that the crime rate peaked in September 2025 at 5.1 per 1,000 people, with other notable highs in March, April, and October.

Conversely, the area saw its lowest activity in November 2024, with the rate dropping to just 0.6 per 1,000. These fluctuations are common in smaller residential areas, where the overall volume of crime is very low. Despite these minor shifts, the area remains significantly safer than the UK average. For residents, this means that while basic vigilance is always required, the statistical likelihood of being a victim of crime remains very low compared to larger urban centres.

How To Keep Safe in Wingham

The most common crime in Wingham is violence and sexual offences, followed by criminal damage and arson and public order. While the area is exceptionally safe, taking these steps can help maintain your security.

1. Pay close attention to vehicle security, as vehicle crime is a notable contributor to local statistics, especially during the night (33% 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 early morning hours, as these are the times when burglary and theft are most likely to occur.
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 14.1% 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 Wingham community.

Crime Time Patterns in Wingham

Criminal activity in Wingham follows distinct patterns throughout the day. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the primary concern, accounting for 45% and 51% 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 anti-social behaviour and public order, with 'other' crimes making up 58% of reports between 6pm and midnight. The most significant shift occurs during the night-time hours (12am to 6am), where vehicle crime surges to 33% 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 the greatest threat during the hours of darkness, requiring consistent and automated protection.

Wingham is one of the safer residential options in the region, especially when compared to its larger neighbours. It is safer than Littlebourne, which has a higher crime rate of 46.0. It is statistically similar to other low-crime areas in the Dover district, though Wingham has seen a slight increase in crime recently. In contrast, the very small, tranquil villages of Wickhambreaux, Preston, and Adisham recorded no crimes. This comparison highlights Wingham's status as a safe residential area that is more active than the most remote rural settlements but much more secure than larger urban centres. This makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a balance between village life and modern security.

In Wingham, where the property crime rate is an exceptionally low 12.5 per 1,000 but vehicle crime is a notable night-time concern (33% 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 Wingham's high safety standards by preventing crime before it happens, rather than just recording it.