Folkestone and Hythe Crime Rate April 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Folkestone and Hythe recorded 855 crimes in April 2025, translating to a crime rate of 7.6 per 1,000 residents—1.3% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This slight edge over the national benchmark contrasts with the local profile of violence and sexual offences, which occurred at a rate of 2.7 per 1,000, 3% above the UK average. These crimes accounted for 34.9% of all reported incidents, underscoring a notable focus on interpersonal violence in the area. Anti-social behaviour (15.6% share) and criminal damage and arson (11.5% share) followed, with the latter’s rate of 0.9 per 1,000 marking an 58% gap above the UK average. This divergence may reflect the town’s coastal character, where seasonal transitions and transient populations could amplify disputes or property-related tensions. April’s Easter holidays and spring weather likely drove increased outdoor activity, which may have influenced crime patterns. While property crimes (298 total) and violent crimes (298 total) were evenly split, the absence of a pronounced seasonal spike in theft or burglary suggests that local factors—such as the area’s mix of residential and tourist-oriented spaces—play a more consistent role than transient events. The data also highlights a marked contrast in vehicle crime, which stood at 0.2 per 1,000, 47% below the UK average, linked to the region’s lower density of commercial zones or effective local policing in key corridors.

April 2025 saw sharp increases in possession of weapons (+140%, from 5 to 12 incidents) and bicycle theft (+100%, from 2 to 4). These spikes, though modest in absolute terms, may reflect the Easter holiday period’s impact on local dynamics, such as increased alcohol-fueled incidents or temporary disruptions in usual routines. Conversely, robbery rates fell by 50% (from 6 to 3), potentially indicating improved visibility or community engagement in high-risk areas. The crime mix also shifted notably: violence and sexual offences, despite an 11% monthly decline (335 to 298), remained high compared to the UK average, suggesting persistent challenges in addressing interpersonal violence. Meanwhile, burglary and vehicle crime both fell significantly below the UK average—by 26% and 47%, respectively—due to the area’s lower population density and effective targeted policing. For residents, the 12 reported incidents of weapon possession—a 140% increase from March—may warrant closer attention to local hotspots, such as public transport hubs or nightlife areas, where such offences are more likely to occur. The data also reveals a 40% above-average rate for other theft, which could signal vulnerabilities in retail or commercial zones requiring additional oversight.

April’s crime rate of 7.6 per 1,000 marked a 9.2% increase from the previous month’s 7.0 per 1,000.3% below the UK average. This monthly rise coincided with an average of 28 crimes per day, a figure that, while not alarmingly high, reflects the area’s ongoing need for vigilance. Over the course of April, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 131 residents, a monthly exposure rate that aligns with the district’s moderate population density and relatively stable crime environment. When contextualised against the area’s population of 112,411, this rate suggests that while crime remains a concern, it does not overwhelm the community’s capacity to manage it. The comparison to the UK average also highlights Folkestone and Hythe’s unique position: while violence and sexual offences are slightly above the national norm, property-related crimes and vehicle theft are lower. This balance may stem from the area’s coastal geography, which limits certain types of crime (e.g. urban burglary) while creating others (e.g. anti-social behaviour in tourist areas). The 9.2% monthly increase, though modest, underscores the importance of tracking seasonal fluctuations, as Easter-related activity and spring weather could temporarily elevate incidents in specific categories.