Local Area Crime Statistics

Folkestone and Hythe Crime Rate

Crime is stable and MODERATE in Folkestone and Hythe

Explore crime rates in Folkestone and Hythe. With a safety score of 80/100 and an overall crime rate of 84.2 per 1,000, it's safer than the UK average.

Overall Crime Rate

84.2
per 1,000 people
10% lower than UK avg

Property Crime Rate

26.2
per 1,000 people
21% lower than UK avg

Based on population of 112,411 over 12 months

Crime Statistics Summary for Folkestone and Hythe

Data last updated: September 2025. Source: Police.uk, ONS, Home Office.

Crime rates per 1,000 people in Folkestone and Hythe
Overall Crime Rate84.2 per 1,000 people
Property Crime Rate26.2 per 1,000 people
UK Average Crime Rate93.4 per 1,000 people
UK Average Property Crime Rate33.2 per 1,000 people
Safety Score80 out of 100
Population112,411
Trendstable
Comparisonlower than UK average
Crime Breakdown by Type in Folkestone and Hythe
Crime TypeTotal CountPer 1,000 PeoplePercentage of Total
Violence and sexual offences3,89634.741%
Anti-social behaviour1,38212.315%
Criminal damage and arson8557.69%
Shoplifting7716.98%
Other theft6615.97%
Public order4744.25%
Drugs3973.54%
Other crime2812.53%
Vehicle crime2722.43%
Burglary22622%
Possession of weapons880.81%
Robbery640.61%
Theft from the person540.51%
Bicycle theft470.40%

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Folkestone and Hythe

Folkestone and Hythe presents a detailed picture of crime, with an overall crime rate of 84.2 per 1,000 residents per year. This figure positions the area as notably safer than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000. The safety score for Folkestone and Hythe stands at a commendable 80 out of 100, surpassing the UK average safety score of 78. Property crime in the area is recorded at 26.2 per 1,000 people, which is lower than the national average of 33.2 per 1,000. Recent data indicates a stable trend in crime, with a slight decrease of 2.8% year-over-year, suggesting consistent safety levels within the district. These statistics provide a comprehensive overview for residents and those considering the area.

Folkestone and Hythe Safety Score

80
Safe
Safety Score out of 100

Folkestone and Hythe has a relatively good safety score compared to the UK average (78).

0-20
20-40
40-60
60-80
80-100

Crime Rates Across Folkestone and Hythe

Folkestone

119.1
per 1,000
High Risk

New Romney

103.8
per 1,000
High Risk

Lydd

70.7
per 1,000
Low Risk

Sellindge

65.0
per 1,000
Low Risk

Hawkinge

59.7
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

St Mary's Bay

55.7
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Dymchurch

55.3
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Hythe

49.2
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Littlestone-on-Sea

38.4
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Lympne

30.1
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Lyminge

19.7
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Crime Rate Risk Levels

Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Very High

About Folkestone and Hythe

Folkestone and Hythe is a diverse local authority district in Kent, encompassing both vibrant coastal towns and tranquil rural landscapes. Its characteristics, including a mix of residential, commercial, and tourist areas, contribute to the unique patterns observed in its crime statistics. The district's coastal location and popular attractions, such as the Creative Quarter in Folkestone and the historic Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, draw visitors, which can sometimes influence crime types like theft. Transport hubs, particularly Folkestone Harbour and connections to larger towns, also play a role in the movement of people and associated activities. While generally a peaceful area, the varying population density across its urban and rural parts, alongside local economic factors, collectively shape the crime rate and overall safety score. Understanding these elements provides valuable context for the district's crime profile.

Crime Types Breakdown

Violence and sexual offences
3,896 incidents (34.7 per 1,000)
Anti-social behaviour
1,382 incidents (12.3 per 1,000)
Criminal damage and arson
855 incidents (7.6 per 1,000)
Shoplifting
771 incidents (6.9 per 1,000)
Other theft
661 incidents (5.9 per 1,000)
Public order
474 incidents (4.2 per 1,000)
Drugs
397 incidents (3.5 per 1,000)
Other crime
281 incidents (2.5 per 1,000)
Vehicle crime
272 incidents (2.4 per 1,000)
Burglary
226 incidents (2 per 1,000)
Possession of weapons
88 incidents (0.8 per 1,000)
Robbery
64 incidents (0.6 per 1,000)
Theft from the person
54 incidents (0.5 per 1,000)
Bicycle theft
47 incidents (0.4 per 1,000)

Crime Rate Trend

↓ 19.4% change(over 12 months)
Folkestone and Hythe
UK Average

Compare Folkestone and Hythe with similar populations

Folkestone and Hythe has a 9.9% lower crime rate than the UK average.

Crime Type Analysis in Folkestone and Hythe

An analysis of crime types in Folkestone and Hythe reveals that Violence and sexual offences constitute the most significant category, accounting for 41.1% of all reported crimes with 34.7 incidents per 1,000 people. Following this, Anti-social behaviour is the second most prevalent, making up 14.6% of crimes at 12.3 incidents per 1,000. Criminal damage and arson ranks as the third most common, representing 9.0% of the total with 7.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. When looking at overall property crime, which includes burglary (2.0 per 1,000), other theft (5.9 per 1,000), vehicle crime (2.4 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (7.6 per 1,000), shoplifting (6.9 per 1,000), robbery (0.6 per 1,000), theft from the person (0.5 per 1,000), and bicycle theft (0.4 per 1,000), the combined rate is 26.2 per 1,000 people. This comprehensive property crime rate is lower than the national average, offering reassurance to residents and homeowners regarding the security of their possessions and properties within the district.

Crime Trends in Folkestone and Hythe

Crime statistics for Folkestone and Hythe indicate a stable trend over the past year, with a slight decrease of 2.8% in total crimes year-over-year. This suggests a consistent level of safety across the district. Examining the monthly trend data, the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated, starting at 7.2 in October 2024 and showing a general stability through to March 2025, with rates around 6.4-7.0. There was a notable increase in April and July 2025, reaching 7.6 and 8.2 respectively, which could be attributed to seasonal factors or increased activity during warmer months. However, the rate saw a significant dip to 5.8 in September 2025, indicating a positive end to the reporting period. This overall stability and recent decline suggest that while crime levels are managed, residents should remain aware of potential seasonal variations in activity.

Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, it is helpful to compare Folkestone and Hythe with its neighbouring areas. Folkestone and Hythe, with an overall crime rate of 84.2 per 1,000 and a safety score of 80/100, generally presents a more favourable picture than many of its neighbours. For instance, areas like Canterbury and Maidstone, often larger urban centres, may exhibit different crime profiles due to higher population densities and varied activities. Ashford and Dover also serve as significant regional hubs, and their crime rates, while specific data is not provided here, are typically influenced by their commercial and transport links. Swale and Rother, which include a mix of urban and rural settings, would also offer contrasting crime patterns. Understanding these regional differences helps residents and potential newcomers to Folkestone and Hythe appreciate its relative position within the broader Kent area, highlighting its comparatively strong safety score.

Proactive Crime Protection

Understanding the crime statistics for Folkestone and Hythe, particularly the property crime rate of 26.2 per 1,000, highlights the importance of robust home security. While traditional CCTV systems merely record incidents after they occur, truly effective protection focuses on prevention. Consider a proactive approach to safeguard your property. Systems like scOS are designed to detect threats at your property boundary, stopping potential intruders before they even attempt a break-in. Unlike reactive solutions that notify you after the fact, AI-powered multi-camera intelligence watches all cameras simultaneously, learning your routines to differentiate between family, deliveries, and genuine threats. This professional-grade deterrence, with features like autonomous response activating lights and speakers, is crucial. Most burglars make their decision within 60 seconds; a visible, intelligent security system makes it easy for them to decide to move on, offering peace of mind that your home is truly protected.

Ready to stop reading statistics and start protecting what matters?

Configure Your SystemSee How It Works

About Our Crime Statistics

Official government data sources for Folkestone and Hythe

4,392+
UK Locations Monitored
19M+
Data Records
100%
Government Sources

Crime Rate Methodology

We determine crime rates by calculating recorded offences per 1,000 residents. This standardised metric enables meaningful comparisons between different-sized regions across the UK.

Information Sources

Official UK government databases provide all crime and demographic information, including Police.uk for offence records and ONS for population data. Statistics are compiled across town, district, and national boundaries.

Mathematical Formula

Rate per 1,000 = (Offences / Population) × 1,000

We exclusively use official UK government information sources:

  • Police.uk — Recorded crime data from England and Wales' 43 territorial police forces
  • Office for National Statistics — Demographic data and Crime Survey statistics
  • Home Office — National offence records and crime policy information
  • FOI Requests — Supplementary data from direct police force requests
We monitor crime data across 4,392+ locations throughout England and Wales, covering the majority of significant towns, cities, and county areas. Greater Manchester locations are presently excluded due to data access limitations. Updates occur promptly following new official data releases (approximately bimonthly), with historical records preserved for trend tracking.
Police.ukONSHome OfficeFOI

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Last updated: September 2025

New data is released by Police.uk approximately every two months

Spotted incorrect data or something that doesn't look right? Let us know and we'll investigate.

Back to Crime Rate Explorer