Folkestone and Hythe Crime Rate October 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Folkestone and Hythe recorded a crime rate of 6.7 per 1,000 residents in October 2025, placing it 13% below the UK average of 7.7. This relatively low rate contrasts with national trends, reflecting a combination of local factors including the area's coastal geography and seasonal rhythms. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 35.7% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (14.2%) and shoplifting (10.4%). These figures align with patterns seen in other seaside towns, where high foot traffic in tourist areas and retail hubs may contribute to property crimes. The month also saw a notable shift in crime timing, with the clocks going back and darker evenings potentially influencing activity patterns. While violence remains the most prevalent category, its rate of 2.4 per 1,000 is 10% below the UK average, suggesting effective policing or community initiatives may be at play. Seasonal context also appears relevant: October’s Halloween events and shorter daylight hours may have amplified certain crime types, though the overall rate remains well below national benchmarks. This suggests a combination of local characteristics and broader UK trends, with the area’s unique mix of residential and commercial zones likely shaping its crime profile.

October 2025 saw sharp increases in specific crime categories, with bicycle theft rising by 266.7% (from 3 to 11 incidents) and other crime growing by 60% (20 to 32). These jumps may reflect heightened activity in local events or changes in transportation patterns, though further analysis is needed to confirm. Vehicle crime also increased by 52.6%, potentially linked to seasonal shifts in parking habits or increased traffic volume. Conversely, theft from the person dropped by 57.1% (7 to 3), and robbery fell by 30% (10 to 7), indicating possible improvements in security measures or reduced opportunities for such crimes. Shoplifting in Folkestone and Hythe is 11% above the UK average (0.7 vs 0.6 per 1,000), a trend that may be connected to the area’s retail presence and tourist traffic. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour remains significantly below the UK average (29% lower), a pattern consistent with other coastal towns where community engagement and local policing may play a role. For residents, the sharp rise in bicycle theft offers a tangible insight: securing bikes with robust locks and using designated parking areas could help mitigate this trend.

The crime rate in October 2025 (6.7 per 1,000) marks a 15.6% increase from September’s rate of 5.8 per 1,000, reflecting a notable upward shift over the month. This rise, while modest in absolute terms, is significant when considering the area’s generally low crime profile. On a daily basis, the district experienced roughly 24 crimes per day in October, a figure that, while manageable, underscores the need for sustained vigilance. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 150 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average but highlights the importance of local crime prevention efforts. This figure is particularly relevant for residents, as it provides a tangible measure of risk relative to the population. The increase in violent crimes compared to the previous month may be partially explained by seasonal factors such as Halloween, which typically brings more foot traffic and potentially more opportunities for crime. However, the overall rate remains well below the UK average, suggesting that local conditions—such as the area’s coastal setting and established community networks—continue to play a protective role against crime.