Folkestone and Hythe Crime Rate

Folkestone and Hythe Crime Overview

Folkestone and Hythe maintains a solid safety profile, with an overall crime rate of 83.7 per 1,000 people. This figure is comfortably below the UK average of 93.1, contributing to a safety score of 80/100, which exceeds the national average of 78. The district, which includes the coastal towns of Folkestone and Hythe as well as the Romney Marsh area, has seen a stable crime trend with a 3.1% decrease over the past year. This consistency indicates a well-managed security environment for the local community. While the overall stats are positive, specific crime types like violence and anti-social behaviour remain the most reported, particularly in more densely populated urban areas. The following detailed analysis explores these figures to provide a comprehensive understanding of the local safety landscape for residents and visitors.

About Mansfield

Mansfield is a large market town in Nottinghamshire with a deep-rooted industrial heritage, particularly in coal mining and textiles. Today, it serves as a major commercial and administrative hub for the region. The district includes the main town of Mansfield as well as Mansfield Woodhouse and the smaller town of Warsop. Its economy has transitioned toward retail, healthcare, and distribution, with several large business parks and the Four Seasons Shopping Centre acting as major local employers.

The area's crime statistics are influenced by its high population density and its role as a regional destination for shopping and nightlife. The town centre attracts a significant number of visitors, which contributes to the higher rates of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. Economic factors, including pockets of deprivation following the decline of traditional industries, also play a role in local crime rates. However, Mansfield also benefits from extensive green spaces and residential suburbs that maintain a more traditional community feel. The district's connectivity to the M1 motorway makes it an attractive location for commuters, but also exposes it to the challenges of being a well-connected urban centre in the East Midlands.

Crime Breakdown in Folkestone and Hythe

In Folkestone and Hythe, violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime type, making up 40.6% of all reports with 3,820 incidents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common at 14.7%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 8.7%. For those concerned with property safety, the overall property crime rate—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and theft—is 26.2 per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.9. Shoplifting is also a significant factor, with 781 reported cases (8.3% of total crime). While burglary accounts for only 2.4% of total crime, the combined volume of criminal damage and other theft (7.1%) suggests that property owners should maintain a high level of vigilance. The data indicates that while personal safety is the primary statistical concern, the risk of opportunistic property crime remains a consistent reality for residents and business owners in the district.

Crime Trends in Folkestone and Hythe

The crime trend in Folkestone and Hythe is currently stable, with a modest year-over-year decrease of 3.1%. Monthly data reveals a fairly consistent level of activity, with crime rates per 1,000 residents ranging from 5.8 to 8.2. A notable peak occurred in July 2025 (8.2) and August 2025 (8.1), which is a common seasonal pattern in coastal areas that see higher visitor numbers during the summer months.

The year ended with a decrease, as September 2025 saw the rate drop to 5.8 before rising slightly to 6.7 in October. This suggests that while there is some seasonal volatility, the overall trend is one of stability. For residents, this is a positive sign, indicating that the district is not experiencing any sudden increases in crime and that safety levels are being maintained effectively across the various communities within the local authority.

Regional Safety Context

In the context of the Kent coast, Folkestone and Hythe is a significant urban hub. Its crime rate of 83.7 per 1,000 is higher than the statistical 0.0 reported for neighbouring areas like Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Swale, and Maidstone in this specific comparison data. This is often typical of areas with major transport links, such as the Eurotunnel terminal and the Port of Dover's proximity, which can influence local crime statistics. However, with a safety score of 80/100, Folkestone and Hythe remains a very safe choice compared to many other coastal districts in the South East. It offers a balanced environment where higher urban activity is countered by effective local policing and a generally secure residential atmosphere.

Proactive Security for Folkestone and Hythe

Folkestone and Hythe has a property crime rate of 26.2 per 1,000 people, with criminal damage and shoplifting being notable factors. For homeowners, the risk is often from opportunistic offenders who target properties that appear vulnerable. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or video doorbells, are reactive; they notify you after someone has already stepped onto your porch or damaged your property, leaving you with nothing but footage of the event.

scOS provides a proactive alternative that is designed to prevent crime before it happens. By using advanced AI and multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property's boundaries 24/7. It can distinguish between a delivery driver and a potential intruder, and it can even verify vehicles using DVLA data. If a genuine threat is detected, the system can autonomously activate deterrents like high-intensity lights and audio warnings. This destroys the element of surprise and often causes the intruder to move on before they ever attempt a break-in. For residents of Folkestone and Hythe, this proactive approach offers true peace of mind, ensuring that your security system is actively working to stop threats rather than just recording them for a later police report.

How To Keep Safe in Folkestone and Hythe

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Folkestone and Hythe, accounting for 40.6% of reports. Residents are encouraged to follow these practical safety tips to enhance their personal security.

1. Town Centre Awareness: When visiting Folkestone town centre, particularly during the evening, stay in well-lit areas and be mindful of your surroundings. Stick to busy routes where there is a visible public presence.
2. Secure Your Valuables: With shoplifting and other theft making up a significant portion of local crime, always keep personal items like phones and wallets secure and out of sight when in crowded places.
3. Boundary Maintenance: To deter criminal damage and arson, ensure your property is well-lit at night and that any flammable materials, such as bins or skips, are stored securely away from the main building.
4. Utilise Community Policing: Engage with local community policing teams and report any instances of anti-social behaviour. Early reporting helps authorities identify and address problem areas before they escalate.
5. Coastal Safety: If you live near the seafront, ensure that outbuildings and beach huts are secured with high-quality locks, as these can sometimes be targets for opportunistic theft or damage.