Hythe Crime Rate

Hythe is one of the safest urban settlements in the region, with an overall crime rate of 48.2 per 1,000 people. This is substantially lower than the UK average of 93.1, earning the town an impressive safety score of 88/100 (well above the national average of 78). More encouragingly, the crime trend in Hythe is decreasing, with a significant 16.3% drop in incidents year-over-year. This downward trajectory reflects a peaceful and well-regulated community. While Hythe is a popular destination for visitors, its safety profile remains consistently high, making it an ideal location for families and retirees. The following sections detail the types of crime that occur and provide advice on maintaining this high level of security.

Hythe's crime profile is significantly more tranquil than the UK average, with violence and sexual offences being the most frequent category at 48.0% (23.1 per 1,000). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 13.0% and other theft at 9.1%. Property crime is notably low in Hythe, with an overall rate of only 12.5 per 1,000 residents. This category, which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and theft, is less than half the national average. Criminal damage and arson also account for 9.0% of reports. For residents, the data suggests that Hythe is a very safe environment for property owners. Burglary is particularly rare, with a rate of just 1.2 per 1,000, and vehicle crime is similarly low at 1.3 per 1,000. These figures indicate that most crime in the area is either personal or related to low-level anti-social behaviour, rather than targeted property theft. Homeowners can take confidence in these statistics, though maintaining basic security measures remains important to protect against the small number of opportunistic incidents that do occur.

Hythe is experiencing a very positive trend in public safety, with total crime decreasing by 16.3% over the last 12 months. Monthly data shows that the crime rate per 1,000 people remained very low throughout the year, typically fluctuating between 2.6 and 5.0. There was a brief peak in April 2025, where the rate reached 6.3, but this was quickly followed by a drop to 2.8 in June and a year-low of 2.6 in September. This consistent downward movement, combined with the lack of significant summer spikes seen in other coastal towns, suggests that Hythe's safety is both high and improving. For residents, this trend provides significant reassurance that the town remains a secure and stable place to live, with local initiatives effectively keeping crime rates well below the national and regional averages.

How To Keep Safe in Hythe

The primary crime type in Hythe is violence and sexual offences, which makes up 48.0% of the local data. While the overall numbers are very low, it is always wise to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking along the Royal Military Canal or the seafront late at night. Stick to well-lit paths and avoid isolated areas after dark. Other theft (9.1%) and criminal damage (9.0%) are the next most common issues; ensure that garden equipment and bicycles are stored in a locked shed or garage when not in use. For those living near the town centre, opportunistic theft can be mitigated by not leaving valuables in plain sight through windows. Community vigilance is high in Hythe, so participating in local social media safety groups or Neighbourhood Watch can keep you informed of any unusual activity. Most importantly, continue to follow standard home security protocols to maintain the town's excellent safety record.

Crime timing in Hythe reflects its peaceful residential and retail character. Theft-related offences are most common during the daylight hours, with 55% occurring in the morning (6am - 12pm) and 58% in the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), largely coinciding with shopping and business hours. As the day ends, the nature of crime shifts; the evening (6pm - 12am) is dominated by 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, which makes up 54% of incidents in that period. The night-time (12am - 6am) sees the highest concentration of the town's vehicle crime at 24%, and burglary also peaks during this period at 17%. While the total volume of crime is low, these patterns suggest that property and vehicle owners should be most vigilant during the overnight hours, while daytime safety concerns are primarily focused on opportunistic theft in public spaces.

Hythe compares very favourably to its neighbours. Its crime rate of 48.2 is less than half that of Folkestone (118.6), making it a much quieter alternative for those who want town living without the higher incident rates. It is slightly higher than nearby Lympne (28.0), but significantly lower than Sellindge (61.5). While tiny neighbouring hamlets like Saltwood and Stanford report a rate of 0.0, Hythe remains one of the safest established towns in the Folkestone and Hythe district. This regional context highlights Hythe as a premium choice for safety-conscious residents who still value access to local shops, the seafront, and historical amenities.

In a high-safety area like Hythe, the property crime rate is low at 12.5 per 1,000, but the impact of a rare incident can be deeply felt. Most residents rely on traditional security like basic alarms or smart doorbells. However, these are reactive; they notify you after someone is already at your door or inside your home. For those in Hythe who want to maintain their high standard of safety, scOS offers a proactive alternative. It is an AI-powered security operating system that monitors your property boundary in real-time. By using multi-camera intelligence, it distinguishes between a delivery driver and a potential intruder. If a threat is detected, scOS can autonomously trigger lights and sound to deter the individual before a crime is committed. This proactive approach is the modern standard for home protection, ensuring that Hythe’s low crime statistics are reflected in the individual safety of your own home. Preventative AI detection is the best way to ensure that "low risk" becomes "no risk" for your property.