Littlestone-on-Sea Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In August 2023, Littlestone-on-Sea recorded 19 crimes, equating to a crime rate of 3.3 per 1,000 residents. This figure is 59.3% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, placing the area firmly in the safer end of the national spectrum. The breakdown of crimes reveals that violence and sexual offences accounted for the largest share (57.9%), followed by anti-social behaviour (15.8%) and other theft (10.5%). These patterns align with the area's characteristics as a built-up coastal community within Folkestone and Hythe, where tourism and seasonal activity may influence crime dynamics. August, a peak holiday month, typically sees an increase in foot traffic and short-term residents, which could contribute to the rise in anti-social behaviour and other theft, though these remain relatively low in absolute terms. The lower prevalence of violent crime compared to the UK average may be attributed to local policing efforts, community cohesion, or the area's smaller scale, which allows for more targeted interventions. However, the seasonal context also introduces a potential risk factor: empty homes during the summer months could increase burglary opportunities, though no such incidents were reported in August. This contrast between local and national trends underscores the importance of contextualising crime data within the specific socio-economic and geographic factors of Littlestone-on-Sea. The relatively low crime rate, combined with the dominance of non-violent offences, suggests a community where public safety is generally maintained, though vigilance during periods of increased tourism remains prudent.

August 2023 saw a notable surge in anti-social behaviour, which tripled from one to three incidents—a 200% increase. This jump, while not unprecedented, may reflect seasonal dynamics, such as the influx of holiday visitors to the area. Other theft also rose by 100%, moving from one to two incidents, a change that could signal increased opportunities for petty crime during the summer months. In contrast, public order offences fell by 33.3%, from three to two, due to targeted interventions or natural fluctuations in activity. Violence and sexual offences, which constitute 57.9% of all crimes, remain 28% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. This disparity highlights the area's unique profile, where violent crime is less prevalent than in many parts of the country. For residents, these figures offer a mixed picture: while violent crime remains relatively low, the rise in anti-social behaviour may warrant closer attention to local hotspots or community initiatives aimed at addressing such issues.

Littlestone-on-Sea's crime rate in August 2023 rose by 5.5% compared to July, moving from 3.1 to 3.3 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, highlights the need for continued monitoring of local trends. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that may seem low but reflects the small population of 5,802 residents. When scaled to the monthly exposure, this translates to one reported crime for roughly every 305 residents over the course of August—a statistic that underscores the relatively low frequency of crime in this built-up area. While this monthly aggregate does not account for variations in daily patterns, it provides a useful baseline for residents to contextualise their personal risk. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that, despite the 5.5% increase, the area remains significantly safer than the UK average, which stands at 8.1 per 1,000. This contrast suggests that local factors—such as community engagement or policing strategies—may be contributing to the area's lower crime profile.