Folkestone Crime Rate

Folkestone, the primary urban settlement within the Folkestone and Hythe district, has a crime rate of 118.6 per 1,000 people. This is notably higher than the UK average of 93.1, reflecting the town's high population density and its role as a commercial and transport hub. Consequently, Folkestone has a safety score of 72/100, which is below the national average of 78. Despite these figures, the crime trend is currently stable, with a negligible 0.3% decrease over the past year. This indicates that while crime levels are higher than in the surrounding rural areas, they are not currently escalating. The data suggests that much of the activity is concentrated in specific urban zones, and understanding these patterns is key to staying safe in the town.

In Folkestone, the crime profile is dominated by three main categories. Violence and sexual offences are the most frequent, making up 38.3% of all reports (45.5 per 1,000 residents). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 14.9% and shoplifting at 11.1%. The prevalence of shoplifting reflects the town's role as a major commercial and retail hub for the district. Property crime overall is a significant factor in Folkestone, with a rate of 39.4 per 1,000 people. This category includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts. Criminal damage and arson also feature prominently at 8.2%. For residents, this means that while violent crime figures are higher than the national average, property-related risks are largely driven by opportunistic theft and retail-related offences. Homeowners should be particularly aware of the 2.7 per 1,000 burglary rate and the 3.4 per 1,000 vehicle crime rate. Although these are lower than the violent crime statistics, they represent the most direct threats to residential security. Protecting against opportunistic theft and ensuring vehicles are secured is essential in this urban environment.

Folkestone's crime trend is currently stable, with a negligible decrease of 0.3% year-over-year. However, the monthly data shows significant seasonal volatility. In late 2024, crime rates were steady at around 9.3 to 9.5 per 1,000 people. There was a notable spike in the summer of 2025, with rates hitting a peak of 11.7 in both July and August. This 23% increase from the winter lows coincides with the peak tourism season and warmer weather, which typically leads to more public-facing offences. Following the summer peak, the rate fell back to 8.3 in September before rising slightly to 9.6 in October. For residents, this means that while the overall annual risk is constant, the summer months require heightened awareness, especially in public and commercial spaces where opportunistic crime tends to cluster during the holiday period.

How To Keep Safe in Folkestone

The most prevalent crime in Folkestone is violence and sexual offences, accounting for 38.3% of total incidents. To stay safe in the town, particularly in the evenings, it is advisable to stay in well-lit, busy areas and avoid shortcuts through isolated parks or alleyways. If you are enjoying the local nightlife, plan your journey home in advance and use reputable taxi services. Shoplifting is also high (11.1%), so if you are a business owner, ensure your premises are equipped with clear signage and modern surveillance. For residents, the high rate of anti-social behaviour (14.9%) means that securing the perimeter of your property is vital. Ensure that side gates are locked and that there are no easy hiding spots for opportunistic offenders. Being part of a local community alert group can also help you stay informed about recent incidents in your specific neighbourhood, allowing for better collective vigilance.

Crime in Folkestone follows a distinct temporal pattern, largely driven by its urban and commercial nature. The afternoon period (12pm - 6pm) is the busiest for theft-related offences, accounting for 51% of all theft incidents, primarily due to high retail activity and shoplifting. As the day transitions into the evening (6pm - 12am), there is a significant shift towards "other" crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which make up 57% of incidents during this time. The night-time hours (12am - 6am) see the highest concentration of vehicle crime, with 30% of these offences occurring while residents are asleep. Burglary is also most likely at night (15%). This suggests that while daytime risks are largely opportunistic and retail-based, the hours of darkness pose the greatest threat to residential property and vehicles.

Folkestone serves as the major urban centre for the region, and its crime rate of 118.6 per 1,000 reflects this status when compared to nearby settlements. Hawkinge, located just to the north, has a significantly lower rate of 60.3, while Hythe to the west is even safer at 48.2. Small neighbouring villages like Saltwood and Etchinghill report a crime rate of 0.0, highlighting the sharp contrast between Folkestone's busy town environment and the surrounding residential areas. For those living in the region, Folkestone offers the most amenities but requires a more proactive approach to security compared to its quieter neighbours. Understanding this local context helps residents choose the right level of protection for their specific location.

In an urban environment like Folkestone, where the property crime rate is 39.4 per 1,000, traditional security measures often fall short. Most homeowners rely on reactive systems—cameras that record a crime as it happens. While this might provide evidence later, it does nothing to stop the initial break-in. scOS changes this dynamic by offering a proactive AI-powered operating system. It doesn't just record; it detects. By monitoring all your cameras simultaneously, scOS identifies threats at the property boundary. If an intruder is detected, the system can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating high-intensity lighting or engaging speakers, to deter the criminal before they reach your door. For Folkestone residents, where shoplifting and opportunistic theft are common, having a system that verifies vehicles via DVLA data and recognises familiar faces ensures that your security is intelligent, not just active. Moving from reactive recording to proactive AI protection is the most effective way to secure your home in Folkestone's busy urban landscape.