Wingham Crime Rate

Wingham's crime rate of 43.0 per 1,000 residents in 2025-2026 is 52.8% below the UK average, yet the area faces a sharp rise in drug-related crime (+400% YoY). This surge in illicit activity, despite overall safety, highlights the need for targeted community strategies to address this emerging trend without compromising Wingham's strong safety record.

Wingham is a built-up area within Dover, characterized by a mix of residential properties and small-scale commercial spaces. Its proximity to Dover's port and commuter routes likely influences its crime profile, with transient populations and limited public amenities contributing to certain patterns. The area's low population density and relatively stable socioeconomic conditions may explain its overall safety, though localized issues like anti-social behavior and drug-related incidents require targeted attention.

The most surprising finding is the 98% exceedance of the UK average in 'Other crime' (4.0 vs 2.0 per 1,000), which may reflect underreported or niche offenses such as vandalism or minor disorder. Violence and sexual offences, while rising by 81% YoY, remain 49% below the UK average—likely due to Wingham's tight-knit community and limited nightlife. Criminal damage and arson, up 67% YoY, could be linked to seasonal maintenance issues in older properties. Anti-social behaviour and other theft are far below the UK average, suggesting effective local management of public order and property protection.

Wingham's overall crime rate has increased by 65.2% YoY, driven by a staggering 400% surge in drug-related crimes (5 incidents, 2.8 per 1,000). This spike contrasts with declines in anti-social behaviour (-12.5% YoY) and other theft (-60% YoY), suggesting a shift in criminal activity toward illicit substances. Monthly trends show a sharp peak in March 2025 (5.1 per 1,000/month) and a low in May 2025 (1.1 per 1,000/month), likely influenced by seasonal factors such as increased social gatherings in the spring and summer months.

How To Keep Safe in Wingham

Residents should prioritize securing vehicles and homes, especially as 'Other crime' exceeds the UK average by 98%. For drug-related incidents, community engagement initiatives—such as local awareness groups—may help mitigate the 400% YoY rise. For property protection, scOS's real-time perimeter monitoring can deter opportunistic crimes. Given Wingham's low burglary rate (1.1 per 1,000), traditional locks remain effective, but pairing them with AI-driven systems could further enhance security.

Crime in Wingham shows distinct temporal patterns. Theft peaks in the afternoon (34% of incidents), aligning with shopping hours and potential shoplifting opportunities. Vehicle crime rises sharply in the evening and night (12% in the evening, 32% at night), possibly due to unsecured vehicles in residential areas. 'Other crime' spikes dramatically at night (48% of incidents), suggesting a correlation with nocturnal anti-social behavior or unmonitored public spaces. Burglary, though rare, occurs more frequently in the early morning (14% of incidents), highlighting the need for perimeter security during off-peak hours.

Wingham's crime rate of 43.0 per 1,000 is 7% higher than Littlebourne's 40.0 per 1,000. The difference may reflect Littlebourne's slightly more rural character and fewer commercial hubs, which could reduce opportunities for certain crimes like vehicle theft or public disorder.

For Wingham households, scOS's proactive boundary detection and autonomous deterrence features are particularly relevant given the 98% exceedance in 'Other crime' (4.0 vs 2.0 per 1,000). Its AI evaluates perimeter activity in real-time, triggering lights and speakers to deter intruders—a critical tool for addressing the spike in unclassified offenses. DVLA vehicle verification also helps flag suspicious vehicles near homes, complementing Wingham's generally low vehicle crime rate (2.3 per 1,000, 51% below the UK average).