Rural Folkestone and Hythe Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Rural Folkestone and Hythe, covering the period of January 2025 to December 2025, reveal a crime rate of 61.2 incidents per 1,000 residents. This figure is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting that Rural Folkestone and Hythe is generally safer than many areas across the country. However, a recent 16.0% year-on-year increase in crime warrants closer examination. While the safety score stands at a relatively positive 86 out of 100, the rising trend indicates a shift in the area's safety profile, necessitating proactive measures and increased vigilance within the community. Understanding the specifics of these trends is vital for residents and local authorities alike.

The most recent data for Rural Folkestone and Hythe, covering January 2025 to December 2025, reveals a concerning pattern of crime types. Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 33.3% of all recorded incidents (224 crimes). This is followed by anti-social behaviour (18.9%), and criminal damage and arson (9.5%), with 127 and 64 crimes respectively. Overall property crime stands at 18.9 per 1,000 residents, indicating a significant level of risk for homeowners and businesses within the area. While ‘other theft’ (51 crimes) and vehicle crime (33 crimes) contribute to the overall picture, the high number of violent offences underscores a potential concern for personal safety. The presence of shoplifting (23 crimes) also points to challenges within the local retail environment.

Crime in Rural Folkestone and Hythe has been steadily increasing, with a significant 16.0% rise year-on-year. Monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 illustrates this upward trend. While some months, such as February and June, showed slightly lower rates (3.2 and 4.8 per 1,000 respectively), April (7.1 per 1,000) and November (7.3 per 1,000) witnessed particularly high incidents. The spike in April warrants further investigation to identify potential contributing factors. The December rate of 3.7 per 1,000, while lower than previous months, doesn't negate the overall concerning trend of escalating crime rates.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Folkestone and Hythe

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's vital to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Consider travelling with a friend or using well-lit routes. With anti-social behaviour also a concern, report any suspicious activity to the authorities promptly. To mitigate the risk of criminal damage and arson, ensure your property is well-maintained and any potential fire hazards are addressed. Finally, secure your vehicles and belongings to reduce the likelihood of theft.

Crimes in Rural Folkestone and Hythe demonstrate distinct patterns throughout the day. Burglary shows a slightly higher frequency during the night (12am - 6am), potentially linked to reduced visibility and activity. Vehicle crime is also elevated during these hours. The afternoon (12pm - 6pm) sees a peak in theft, likely correlated with commercial activity. However, a notable proportion of 'other crime' occurs during the evening (6pm - 12am), highlighting the importance of increased vigilance during this period.

Comparing Rural Folkestone and Hythe with similar built-up areas in the surrounding region, such as New Romney and Lymington, shows varied crime rates. New Romney exhibits a slightly higher rate of 68.5 per 1,000, while Lymington demonstrates a lower rate of 52.1 per 1,000. These comparisons highlight that while Rural Folkestone and Hythe is generally safer than New Romney, proactive safety measures remain crucial to maintain its relative safety compared to other areas.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide a recording of a crime in progress, but they don't actively prevent it. The right security system should do more. Consider scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system that proactively detects threats at your property boundary before they escalate. Unlike Ring or Nest cameras that simply record, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to watch all angles simultaneously, employing DVLA vehicle verification to identify suspicious vehicles, and learning your family's routines to distinguish genuine threats from normal activity. This autonomous response, including activating lights and speakers to create an element of surprise, can often deter potential burglars within those critical first 60 seconds – the timeframe most burglars decide whether to proceed. Reading crime statistics is one thing; protecting your home proactively is another.