Folkestone and Hythe Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Folkestone and Hythe’s crime rate in July 2024 stood at 7.7 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 8.3% below the UK average of 8.4. This relatively low rate, when translated to everyday risk, means that one in every 129 residents experienced a reported crime over the course of the month—a figure that may feel more tangible for locals than abstract statistics. The most common crime types were violence and sexual offences (42.1% of all incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (18.0%) and criminal damage and arson (10.4%). These patterns align with the area’s identity as a coastal resort, where summer months bring increased foot traffic, festivals, and outdoor events. The high prevalence of violence and sexual offences, which is 16% above the UK average, likely reflects the social dynamics of a tourist destination during peak season, when nightlife and crowded public spaces may contribute to heightened risk. Conversely, shoplifting rates in July were 26% below the UK average, due to the area’s retail focus being more tightly monitored or the presence of security measures tailored to attract tourists. The seasonal context—schools out, festivals in full swing, and the long summer evenings—likely amplifies certain crime trends, such as anti-social behaviour and violence, while other categories, like vehicle crime, remain significantly lower than the national average. This interplay between local characteristics and broader seasonal factors shapes the crime profile of Folkestone and Hythe in a way that is both distinct and reflective of its coastal identity.

July 2024 saw a significant 18.4% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 309 to 366 incidents. This surge, likely linked to the summer tourism season and extended evenings, contrasts with a sharp 88.9% drop in theft from the person, which fell from nine to one case. Anti-social behaviour also climbed by 6.8%, aligning with the influx of visitors and the associated pressures on public spaces. The area’s rate for violence and sexual offences (3.3 per 1,000) exceeds the UK average by 16%, while shoplifting remains 26% below the national figure. These divergences underscore the influence of Folkestone and Hythe’s coastal character—where tourism drives some crime types but also supports lower rates in others, such as vehicle crime, which is 78% below the UK average. For residents, the marked reduction in theft from the person offers a concrete example of how seasonal factors can impact local crime trends.

Folkestone and Hythe's crime rate in July 2024 rose 2.7% from the previous month, moving from 7.5 to 7.7 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, reflects a localised shift in criminal activity patterns during peak summer months. On a daily basis, 28 crimes were reported over 31 days, a figure that translates to roughly one crime occurring for every 129 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure metric provides a tangible sense of risk for residents, placing the area’s experience in a relatable context. While the overall rate remains below the UK average, the change from June to July highlights the dynamic nature of crime in this coastal district. The population context further underscores that these figures represent a small proportion of the 112,411 residents, but the seasonal spike in certain crime types—such as violence and anti-social behaviour—suggests that community awareness and local policing strategies may need to adapt to summer-specific pressures.