Hythe Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Hythe, covering the period of January 2025 to December 2025, reveal a crime rate of 48.1 per 1,000 residents annually. This figure is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, placing Hythe as a comparatively safer area. However, while the overall crime rate is favourable, certain crime types, particularly violence and sexual offences, represent a significant proportion of reported incidents. A downward trend of -14.7% year-on-year suggests a positive shift in safety, with monthly figures fluctuating throughout the data period, but consistently demonstrating a decline compared to previous years. Understanding these figures and trends is crucial for residents and local authorities alike.

Hythe demonstrates a concerning prevalence of violent and sexual offences, accounting for 43.6% of all recorded crimes, with 281 incidents reported between January 2025 and December 2025. Anti-social behaviour follows as the next most frequent issue, with 91 incidents. Criminal damage and arson contribute another 65 incidents. Overall, property crime in Hythe stands at a rate of 13.9 per 1,000 residents, a figure influenced by the area’s demographics and the mix of residential and commercial activities. While the area benefits from a strong sense of community, the proximity to Folkestone and the coastal location may contribute to certain crime patterns. The relative lack of significant industrial infrastructure may also impact the types of crimes observed compared to more urban settings.

Crime in Hythe has been steadily decreasing, with a significant drop of -14.7% year-on-year. Monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 reflects this trend, although fluctuations are observed. For instance, the crime rate peaked in April 2025 at 6.3 per 1,000 residents, but consistently decreased in subsequent months, reaching a low of 2.6 per 1,000 in September 2025. This positive trend is encouraging, but continued vigilance and proactive measures are essential to sustain this reduction and ensure the ongoing safety of the community.

How To Keep Safe in Hythe

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Avoid poorly lit areas and stick to well-populated routes. With anti-social behaviour also being a concern, reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities is vital. Secure your property effectively – ensure doors and windows are locked, and consider installing security lighting. Finally, be mindful of your belongings in public places to reduce the risk of theft. Stay vigilant and report any concerns promptly.

Crimes in Hythe exhibit varied patterns throughout the day. Burglaries are most likely to occur during the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), with 14% of incidents occurring during this period. Violence and sexual offences tend to peak during the evening (6pm - 12am), particularly on weekends, with 20% of incidents. Vehicle crime shows a concerning concentration during the night (12am - 6am), accounting for 23% of incidents. Theft is most prevalent during commercial hours in the afternoon, while other crimes see the highest frequency during the evening. These patterns suggest a need for targeted safety measures at different times of the day.

When considering safety, Hythe’s crime statistics are significantly lower than Folkestone, which reports a rate of 119.3 per 1,000 residents. Saltwood and Stanford, however, both report a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000, indicating exceptionally low levels of crime. Lympne's rate of 24.3 per 1,000 is also notably lower than Hythe’s, highlighting a varied landscape of crime levels within the Folkestone and Hythe district. These comparisons provide valuable context when assessing the relative safety of Hythe within the local area.

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