Hythe Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 saw a dramatic 200% increase in 'Other crime' in Hythe, a built-up area within Folkestone and Hythe, marking the most significant shift in crime type compared to previous months. The overall crime rate stood at 3.6 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 43.8% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This stark contrast highlights Hythe's relatively safer profile compared to national trends. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 50% of all reported incidents, followed by other theft (10.4%) and anti-social behaviour (10.4%). The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may have influenced patterns, though the surge in 'Other crime' defies immediate explanation. While violent crime remains a concern, the area's crime profile suggests a combination of community-focused policing and localised factors such as the town's proximity to coastal tourism infrastructure, which may drive certain offences but not others. The absence of shoplifting or vehicle crime compared to UK averages indicates that Hythe's retail and transport environments may be less prone to these specific types of theft, due to lower foot traffic during winter months. This data invites further analysis into the nature of 'Other crime' in the area, which could encompass a range of unclassified or context-specific incidents.

February 2026 witnessed a striking 200% rise in 'Other crime,' increasing from one to three incidents—a sharp contrast to the 50% drop in public order offences, which fell from two to one. This shift in crime mix suggests a possible reallocation of resources or changing patterns in unclassified offences, though the exact nature of these crimes remains unspecified. Hythe's 'Other theft' rate (0.4 per 1,000) was 5% below the UK average, while anti-social behaviour (0.4 per 1,000) was 56% below the UK rate of 0.9 per 1,000. This divergence could reflect the area's compact built-up nature, where community engagement and local policing may mitigate disorder. Vehicle crime also saw a 100% increase, rising from zero to one incident—a small but significant jump that may be linked to seasonal factors such as reduced visibility or temporary changes in traffic patterns. Meanwhile, the UK average for 'Other crime' (0.1 per 1,000) was 33% higher than Hythe's rate, indicating that the area's crime mix is distinct from national trends. For residents, the 26.5% monthly increase in the overall crime rate—from 2.8 to 3.6 per 1,000—underscores the need for continued vigilance, particularly in understanding the unclassified 'Other crime' category.

Hythe's crime rate in February 2026 (3.6 per 1,000) marked a 26.5% increase from the previous month's rate of 2.8 per 1,000, reflecting a slight upward trend in reported incidents. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of two crimes per day over the 28-day period, a figure that, while low, indicates consistent activity in local policing efforts. When scaled to the population of 13,407 residents, this translates to one reported crime occurring for roughly every 279 residents over the course of the month—a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average. The previous month's rate of 2.8 per 1,000 suggests that the increase in February may be tied to seasonal transitions, such as the end of winter holidays or shifting patterns in community activity. While the overall rate remains well below the UK average, the 26.5% month-on-month rise serves as a reminder that even low-crime areas can experience fluctuations. This context is particularly relevant for residents, who may find it useful to note that the majority of crimes reported in February were violent in nature, which may require different community responses compared to property-related offences. The combination of a low crime rate and a recent upward trend highlights the importance of maintaining local initiatives that support both public safety and the unique characteristics of Hythe's built-up environment.