Folkestone and Hythe Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 112,411, the 917 crimes reported in August 2024 translate to a crime rate of 8.2 per 1,000 residents, exactly matching the UK average. This figure represents 1 reported crime for every 123 residents over the course of the month, highlighting the scale of criminal activity relative to the area’s population size. The breakdown reveals a stark contrast in crime types: violence and sexual offences (366 incidents) account for nearly 40% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (169) and criminal damage and arson (95). These patterns are consistent with Folkestone and Hythe’s character as a coastal resort town, where seasonal tourism and summer activities may contribute to higher levels of violence and disorder. The rate of violence and sexual offences in the area is 23% above the UK average, a discrepancy that may partly reflect the town’s proximity to busy coastal thoroughfares and the increased foot traffic during peak holiday months. Meanwhile, shoplifting rates (0.6 per 1,000) are 15% below the UK average, suggesting effective retail security measures or lower retail crime opportunities compared to other areas. The seasonal context of August—peak holiday month, increased tourism, and temporary empty homes—may also explain the elevated rates of violence and property crime, as transient populations and reduced local oversight during summer holidays can create conditions conducive to criminal activity.

August 2024 saw sharp increases in theft from the person (+400%) and robbery (+200%), with incidents rising from 1 to 5 and 1 to 3 respectively. These jumps, while statistically significant, remain relatively small in absolute terms, reflecting potential isolated incidents rather than systemic trends. Conversely, burglary rates fell by 7.7% (26 to 24), a decline that may be linked to increased property security measures or the seasonal reduction in vacant homes during the summer months. The crime mix also showed notable deviations from the UK average: violence and sexual offences were 23% higher than the national average, while shoplifting was 15% lower. These contrasts highlight the area’s unique dynamics—its elevated violence rates may be tied to the influx of transient visitors during August, whereas lower shoplifting figures could indicate effective retail crime prevention strategies. Public order offences, at 0.4 per 1,000, were 37% below the UK average, reflecting the town’s relatively stable community environment despite the summer influx. A resident might find the 5.6% increase in overall crime rates from July to August particularly relevant, as it suggests a temporary uptick that could be monitored for patterns in future months.

The crime rate in August 2024 (8.2 per 1,000) was 5.6% higher than the previous month’s rate of 7.7 per 1,000, marking a modest but measurable increase. This rise translates to approximately 30 crimes per day in August, a figure that, while routine for a coastal town, may prompt closer attention during periods of heightened activity. Over the course of the month, the 917 crimes reported meant that one in every 123 residents experienced a reported crime—a metric that underscores the frequency of criminal incidents relative to the local population. When compared to the UK average, Folkestone and Hythe’s crime rate is statistically identical, yet the distribution of crime types reveals distinct local patterns. For instance, the town’s violence and sexual offences rate is 23% above the national average, a disparity that may be explained by the area’s role as a tourist destination with higher concentrations of transient populations. Conversely, the area’s shoplifting and vehicle crime rates are below the UK average, suggesting that local factors—such as retail security practices or the nature of visitor spending—may influence these categories. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that, despite the 5.6% month-on-month increase, the overall crime rate remains within the typical range for a coastal resort town, where seasonal fluctuations are expected.