Folkestone Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Folkestone’s crime rate in July 2023 reached 12.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 48.2% above the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000. This figure highlights the area’s ongoing challenges with crime, particularly in violent and property-related incidents. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 43.3% of all reported crimes—nearly 91% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 15.5% of incidents, while criminal damage and arson contributed 8.7%. These patterns align with Folkestone’s character as a coastal town with a mix of residential, tourist, and commercial areas. The summer season, marked by festivals and increased tourism, likely amplifies public order issues and anti-social behaviour. Violent crime’s prominence may reflect the town’s demographic mix, including a significant student population and transient visitors. Meanwhile, property crimes, though lower in proportion (25.0% of total), remain a concern, with shoplifting and burglary figures slightly above or in line with UK averages. The data suggests that Folkestone’s crime profile is shaped by its coastal location and seasonal rhythms, with tourism acting as both a driver of economic activity and a potential contributor to certain crime types. However, the lack of a significant month-on-month increase (1.6% from June) indicates some stability, albeit against a backdrop of persistent challenges.

July 2023 saw sharp increases in several crime categories, most 'Other crime,' which surged by 312.5% from 8 to 33 incidents. This jump, though unexplained by the data, may reflect underreported or newly emerging issues. Possession of weapons also rose by 125%, with cases increasing from 4 to 9—a 150% gap above the UK average. Conversely, vehicle crime plummeted by 82.8%, dropping from 29 to 5, aligning with a UK rate that is 79% lower. This decline could be linked to the summer lull in car-related activity, such as reduced parking congestion or fewer commuters. The crime mix also shifted: violent crimes (43.3% of total) dominated over property crimes (25.0%), a stark contrast to the UK average where violence accounts for only 2.8 per 1,000. Residents may find the 79% reduction in vehicle crime reassuring, particularly for those relying on local transport networks.

Folkestone’s crime rate in July 2023 remained stable compared to June, rising by just 1.6% to 12.3 per 1,000 residents. This minimal fluctuation suggests consistency in local crime patterns despite seasonal shifts. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 21 crimes per day—a figure that, while modest, reflects the area’s ongoing challenges. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 82 residents, a monthly exposure rate that contextualises the frequency of incidents within the population. With a population of 52,489, this translates to a manageable but notable level of crime for a coastal town. The UK-wide context is stark: Folkestone’s overall rate is 48.2% higher than the national average, underscoring the area’s distinct challenges. However, certain categories, such as vehicle crime and theft from the person, show marked deviations from the UK average, illustrating a combination of local factors.