Folkestone and Hythe Crime Rate

Folkestone and Hythe has an annual crime rate of 83.8 per 1,000 residents between February 2025 and January 2026. This figure is 8.1% below the UK average of 91.2 per 1,000, indicating a generally lower crime rate than the national average. While certain crime types, such as violence and sexual offences, are slightly elevated, the overall trend shows a stable crime rate, decreasing by 2.8% year-on-year. This page provides a detailed breakdown of crime statistics in Folkestone and Hythe, offering insights into the most prevalent offences and providing practical advice for staying safe.

Folkestone and Hythe, a Local Authority District in Kent, encompasses a diverse landscape ranging from coastal towns to rural areas. The district's economy is supported by tourism, logistics (due to its port), and local businesses. A mix of residential areas, including both owner-occupied and rental properties, contributes to the local demographics. The presence of a busy port and significant tourist activity, particularly during peak seasons, can influence patterns of crime and anti-social behaviour, while the blend of urban and rural environments presents unique challenges in maintaining safety and security throughout the district.

The most prevalent crimes in Folkestone and Hythe, according to data from February 2025 to January 2026, are violence and sexual offences, accounting for 39.5% of all reported crimes. This category saw 3719 incidents, 33.1 per 1,000 residents, slightly above the UK average of 32.2 per 1,000. Following violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour constitutes the second-highest crime type, with 1452 incidents (12.9 per 1,000). Criminal damage and arson represent the third most common crime, at 822 incidents (7.3 per 1,000). Property crime, overall, stands at 26.1 per 1,000 residents, reflecting the impact of these and other offences like shoplifting, other theft, and burglary on residents and businesses.

Crime in Folkestone and Hythe has remained stable, decreasing by 2.8% year-on-year from February 2025 to January 2026. Monthly crime rates fluctuated throughout the period, with a peak of 8.2 per 1,000 in July 2025 and a low of 5.8 per 1,000 in September 2025. While overall crime is stable, it’s important to note that robbery has increased significantly (139.4% YoY), highlighting a potential area of concern for residents.

Comparing Folkestone and Hythe to neighbouring local authorities, crime rates vary. Canterbury has a significantly higher crime rate at 109.0 per 1,000, while Rother, the safest neighbour, has a rate of 65.2 per 1,000. Understanding these comparisons can provide context when assessing the overall safety and security of the area.

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How To Keep Safe in Folkestone and Hythe

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Walk in well-lit areas and avoid walking alone whenever possible. With anti-social behaviour also being a concern, report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Given the year-on-year increase in robbery, ensure your home and vehicle are securely locked and consider installing a visible security system. Finally, be vigilant about protecting your belongings from theft, particularly in public spaces.