Crime Statistics

Folkestone Crime Rate

Crime is stable and HIGH in Folkestone

Folkestone's crime rate is 119.1 per 1,000, with a safety score of 72/100. Stay informed about local crime statistics.

Overall Crime Rate

119.1
Crimes per 1,000 people
stable trend

Property Crime Rate

39.4
Property crimes per 1,000 people
Includes burglary, theft, vandalism

How Folkestone Compares to UK Average

Overall Crime:119.1vs 93.4 UK avg
+25.7 per 1,000 people
Property Crime:39.4vs 33.2 UK avg
+6.2 per 1,000 people

Folkestone's crime rate is significantly higher than UK average

Based on population of 52,489 over 12 months

Crime Statistics Summary for Folkestone

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

Crime rates per 1,000 people in Folkestone
Overall Crime Rate119.1 per 1,000 people
Property Crime Rate39.4 per 1,000 people
UK Average Crime Rate93.4 per 1,000 people
UK Average Property Crime Rate33.2 per 1,000 people
Safety Score72 out of 100
Population52,489
Trendstable
Comparisonsignificantly higher than UK average
Crime Breakdown by Type in Folkestone
Crime TypeTotal CountPer 1,000 PeoplePercentage of Total
Violence and sexual offences2,42146.139%
Anti-social behaviour92917.715%
Shoplifting67412.811%
Criminal damage and arson53810.29%
Other theft4127.87%
Public order3115.95%
Drugs2825.45%
Other crime1763.43%
Vehicle crime1733.33%
Burglary1382.62%
Possession of weapons631.21%
Robbery5211%
Theft from the person440.81%
Bicycle theft390.71%

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Folkestone

Folkestone, an urban settlement within the Folkestone and Hythe district, registers an overall crime rate of 119.1 per 1,000 residents annually. This figure is higher than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000. The area's safety score is 72 out of 100, which falls below the UK average safety score of 78, indicating a need for residents to be aware of local crime trends. Property crime in Folkestone stands at 39.4 per 1,000 people, exceeding the national average of 33.2 per 1,000. The latest data indicates a stable trend in crime, with a 0.0% change year-over-year, suggesting that crime levels have remained consistent. These statistics offer a clear overview of the current crime landscape in Folkestone, providing valuable context for both residents and visitors.

Folkestone Safety Score

72
Moderate
Safety Score out of 100

Folkestone's safety score is below the UK average. Protect what matters most with AI that thinks ahead of criminals.

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

Most Common Crimes in Folkestone

#1

Violence and sexual offences

Percentage:39%
Per 1,000:46.1
Total:2,421
#2

Anti-social behaviour

Percentage:15%
Per 1,000:17.7
Total:929
#3

Shoplifting

Percentage:11%
Per 1,000:12.8
Total:674
#4

Criminal damage and arson

Percentage:9%
Per 1,000:10.2
Total:538
#5

Other theft

Percentage:7%
Per 1,000:7.8
Total:412

Protect Against These Threats

scOS security systems are designed to detect and deter the most common crimes in your area, providing 24/7 autonomous protection.

Protect Against These Threats

Crime Type Analysis in Folkestone

In Folkestone, Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type, accounting for 38.7% of all recorded incidents, with a rate of 46.1 per 1,000 people. Anti-social behaviour follows as the second most common, making up 14.9% of crimes at 17.7 incidents per 1,000. Shoplifting is the third most frequent, representing 10.8% of the total with 12.8 incidents per 1,000 residents. When focusing on overall property crime, which includes burglary (2.6 per 1,000), other theft (7.8 per 1,000), vehicle crime (3.3 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (10.2 per 1,000), shoplifting (12.8 per 1,000), robbery (1.0 per 1,000), theft from the person (0.8 per 1,000), and bicycle theft (0.7 per 1,000), the combined rate is 39.4 per 1,000 people. This property crime rate is higher than the national average, suggesting that residents and homeowners in Folkestone should be particularly vigilant about securing their properties and belongings.

Crime Types Breakdown

Violence and sexual offences
2,421 incidents (46.1 per 1,000)
Anti-social behaviour
929 incidents (17.7 per 1,000)
Shoplifting
674 incidents (12.8 per 1,000)
Criminal damage and arson
538 incidents (10.2 per 1,000)
Other theft
412 incidents (7.8 per 1,000)
Public order
311 incidents (5.9 per 1,000)
Drugs
282 incidents (5.4 per 1,000)
Other crime
176 incidents (3.4 per 1,000)
Vehicle crime
173 incidents (3.3 per 1,000)
Burglary
138 incidents (2.6 per 1,000)
Possession of weapons
63 incidents (1.2 per 1,000)
Robbery
52 incidents (1 per 1,000)
Theft from the person
44 incidents (0.8 per 1,000)
Bicycle theft
39 incidents (0.7 per 1,000)

Crime Rate Trend

↓ 18.6% change(over 12 months)
Folkestone
UK Average

Compare Folkestone with similar populations

Folkestone has a 27.5% higher crime rate than the UK average.

Crime Trends in Folkestone

The crime trends in Folkestone show a stable pattern over the past year, with a 0.0% change year-over-year in total reported crimes. This indicates that the overall crime level has neither significantly increased nor decreased. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with crime rates per 1,000 residents starting at 10.2 in October 2024 and remaining relatively consistent, generally between 9.2 and 10.0, through to June 2025. There was a noticeable peak in July and August 2025, both recording 11.7 incidents per 1,000, which might be linked to increased summer activity or tourism. The rate then decreased to 8.3 in September 2025, suggesting a return to lower levels. While the overall trend is stable, these monthly variations highlight periods when residents might need to be more aware of their surroundings and property security.

When Do Crimes Happen in Folkestone?

Understanding peak crime times helps you stay vigilant and secure your property when it matters most.

Simulated Data

This heatmap shows estimated crime patterns based on Folkestone's crime statistics, crime type distribution, and general knowledge of when different crimes typically occur. This is not real historical data for specific times.

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Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Crime Likelihood:
Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Very High

Pro Tip: Burglaries peak on weekday evenings (6pm-midnight) and during work hours (10am-3pm) when homes appear empty. scOS smart security stays alert around the clock — detecting threats instantly, whether you're home or away.

What Types of Crime Happen When in Folkestone?

Different crimes occur at different times. This breakdown shows which crime types dominate each time period.

Based on Crime-Type Weighted Model

Morning

6am - 12pm

Theft50%
Other35%
Vehicle Crime10%
Burglary7%
Violence0%

The morning sees elevated theft and other crimes as daily activities commence.

Afternoon

12pm - 6pm

Theft53%
Other32%
Burglary12%
Vehicle Crime3%
Violence0%

Afternoon hours show a peak in theft, likely due to increased commercial activity.

Evening

6pm - 12am

Other58%
Theft22%
Burglary10%
Vehicle Crime10%
Violence0%

Evening crime shifts to other offences, with reduced theft and some vehicle crime.

Night

12am - 6am

Other43%
Vehicle Crime29%
Burglary15%
Theft13%
Violence0%

Night-time indicates higher vehicle crime and burglary, often targeting unattended properties.

Simulated Data - Crime-Type Weighted Model

These crime patterns are estimated using the Crime Survey for England and Wales (ONS) time-of-day data, weighted by Folkestone's specific crime type distribution from Police.uk. This is not real historical data for specific times in Folkestone, but a model-generated estimate based on the area's crime composition and national timing patterns.

Time Patterns of Crime in Folkestone

Crime in Folkestone exhibits distinct patterns throughout the 24-hour cycle. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are prominent, accounting for 50% of crimes, often linked to the start of commercial activity. The afternoon period (12pm-6pm) sees an even higher proportion of theft at 53%, coinciding with peak shopping and daily activities. As evening approaches (6pm-12am), theft decreases significantly to 22%, while other crime types, potentially including public order and violence, become more dominant, making up 58% of incidents. Night-time (12am-6am) shows a shift towards vehicle crime, which rises to 29%, and burglary at 15%, as properties are often unattended and streets are quieter. These patterns suggest that different types of crime are more likely at specific times, aligning with typical daily routines and opportunities for offenders.

Crime Rates Near Folkestone And Hythe

Thanet

20.3 miles

119.0
per 1,000
High Risk

Canterbury

13.6 miles

104.9
per 1,000
High Risk

Swale

22.5 miles

104.4
per 1,000
High Risk

Dover

10.7 miles

91.7
per 1,000
Moderate Risk

Maidstone

26.0 miles

89.1
per 1,000
Moderate Risk

Ashford

13.8 miles

78.1
per 1,000
Low Risk

Crime Rate Risk Levels

Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Very High

Explore Nearby Areas

Saltwood

2.5 miles

0.0
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Etchinghill

2.6 miles

0.0
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Hythe

2.8 miles

49.2
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Hawkinge

2.3 miles

59.7
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Police Response Times in Folkestone

How quickly do police respond to emergencies?

Grade 1 (Immediate)

Emergency 999 calls requiring immediate attendance — crimes in progress, threat to life, or serious injury.

Grade 2 (Priority)

Serious incidents needing prompt response but no immediate threat to life — recent crimes, vulnerable victims.

Grade 1 - Immediate

Emergency Response

19 minActual
Actual
19 min
Target
15 min
UK Average
15 min
4 min slower than target

Grade 2 - Priority

Priority Response

1h 41mActual
Actual
1h 41m
Target
1h
UK Average
1h
41 min slower than target

Active Officers

4,168

Each = 500 officers

Police Stations

Pending

Station count data is being collected

Why Response Time Matters

The average burglary takes just 8-10 minutes. Even when police respond quickly, burglars are often gone before anyone arrives.

scOS spots trouble the moment it starts — your lights come on, sirens sound, and you get an alert on your phone. Burglars don't stick around when they've lost the element of surprise.

2024 data
Mean response times
Source: FOI Request

How Does Folkestone Compare?

Stockport

1.1
crimes per 1,000 people
99.1% safer than Folkestone

Banbury

104.4
crimes per 1,000 people
12.3% safer than Folkestone

Bridgend

90.6
crimes per 1,000 people
23.9% safer than Folkestone

Hinckley

81.5
crimes per 1,000 people
31.6% safer than Folkestone

Comparison with Nearby Areas

Folkestone's crime rate of 119.1 per 1,000, with a safety score of 72/100, provides a specific local context when compared to its neighbouring areas. Settlements such as Hawkinge, Saltwood, Etchinghill, and Hythe, while within the same local authority, often present differing crime profiles influenced by their size, demographics, and local characteristics. For instance, smaller, more residential areas like Saltwood or Etchinghill might experience lower overall crime rates compared to the more urban environment of Folkestone, which has a higher population density and more commercial activity. Hythe, another nearby urban area, would offer a closer comparison, potentially showing similar or contrasting trends in specific crime types. Understanding these local variations helps residents gauge the relative safety and crime landscape of Folkestone within its immediate vicinity.

Why scOS Is Different From Every Other Security System

Traditional systems watch crime happen. scOS stops it from happening.

Sees Everything At Once

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Property line intervention

Knows Every Vehicle

DVLA verification catches fake plates instantly. Suspicious car? You know before they park.

Stop them early

Learns Your Patterns

Recognizes family, delivery times, normal routines. Only alerts you to real threats.

Zero false alarms

Traditional CCTV

  • •Records crime as it happens
  • •Motion alerts for every shadow, leaf, or car passing by
  • •You discover break-in hours later or are in the middle of it
  • •Hope police can use the footage

scOS Intelligence

  • •Stops threats before they reach your door
  • •Intelligent motion alerts — only notifies you of real threats
  • •Lights and speakers respond autonomously
  • •They turn away before you even know

What used to be impossible is now effortless.

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Proactive Crime Protection

Given Folkestone's property crime rate of 39.4 per 1,000, it is crucial for residents to consider robust home security measures. Relying on traditional security like CCTV, which only records a burglary, offers little comfort. Instead, focus on proactive prevention. Systems such as scOS provide AI-powered protection by detecting threats at your property boundary, stopping potential intruders before they even attempt a break-in. Unlike basic DIY systems that alert you after the fact, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor simultaneously, learning patterns to distinguish between family, deliveries, and genuine intruders. With features like DVLA vehicle verification and autonomous response, including lights and speakers, the element of surprise is destroyed, making burglars decide to move on within 60 seconds. This professional-grade deterrence is essential for protecting your property effectively against the specific crime challenges observed in Folkestone.

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Understanding Our Data

How we source and verify crime information for Folkestone

4,392+
Areas Covered
19M+
Crime Records
100%
Official Sources

Understanding the Calculations

The crime rate represents the number of recorded incidents per thousand residents in Folkestone. This approach ensures fair comparison regardless of area population size.

Our Information

All statistics come from official government sources: Police.uk provides recorded crime data while the Office for National Statistics supplies population figures. We aggregate data at multiple geographic levels for context.

Formula Used

Crimes per 1k residents = (Total incidents ÷ Population) × 1,000

Our statistics derive entirely from UK government databases:

  • Police.uk — Crime records from territorial police forces across England and Wales (43 total)
  • Office for National Statistics — Population statistics and the Crime Survey for England and Wales
  • Home Office — Nationwide crime data and official policy records
  • FOI Requests — Additional statistics obtained via formal requests to police services
Our system covers 4,392+ areas across England and Wales, including major urban centers, towns, and administrative regions. Data for Greater Manchester is currently unavailable. We refresh statistics immediately when official sources publish updates (generally every 8 weeks) and maintain archives for historical analysis.
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.

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