St Mary's Bay Crime Rate

Crime statistics for St Mary's Bay, within Folkestone and Hythe, indicate a crime rate of 51.4 per 1,000 residents over the period of January 2025 to December 2025. This figure is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a relatively safer environment compared to the national picture. However, it's important to examine the specific types of crime occurring and understand the underlying factors influencing these trends. The recent data shows a decreasing trend in crime, which is a positive sign for the community’s safety and security.

The crime landscape of St Mary's Bay is largely shaped by its coastal location and relatively small, close-knit community. While the overall population is modest at 2,550, the area experiences a mix of crime types. Violence and sexual offences represent the most significant concern, accounting for 78 crimes, or approximately 30.6 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is followed by criminal damage and arson (15 crimes) and anti-social behaviour (14 crimes). The presence of seasonal tourism likely contributes to incidents of anti-social behaviour, while the proximity to other areas may influence the prevalence of violence and criminal damage. The lower rates of burglary and other theft compared to other crime types suggests a degree of community vigilance and awareness, though this is not a guarantee of complete safety.

Crime rates in St Mary's Bay have been steadily decreasing, showing a reduction of 7.7% year-on-year. This positive trend is reflected in the monthly data, which reveals a significant drop in incidents from January 2025 (5.9 per 1,000/month) to December 2025 (2.0 per 1,000/month). The most substantial decrease occurred between March and April 2025, with a dramatic fall to 2.8 per 1,000/month. While a slight increase was observed in August 2025 (8.2 per 1,000/month), the overall downward trajectory indicates a welcome improvement in safety and security for residents.

How To Keep Safe in St Mary's Bay

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, being aware of your surroundings is paramount. Walk in well-lit areas, particularly at night. Due to instances of criminal damage and arson, ensure any outbuildings or vehicles are securely locked and not easily accessible. Report any suspicious activity to the police promptly. Consider joining or forming a neighbourhood watch scheme to foster community vigilance. Finally, be mindful of your belongings in public places to avoid becoming a target for theft.

Crime in St Mary's Bay tends to follow a pattern related to the day and time. During the morning (6am - 12pm), burglary incidents represent 11% of recorded crimes, with theft being a more prominent concern at 24%. In the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), burglary rises to 19%, while theft remains significant at 26%. The evening hours (6pm - 12am) see a shift, with burglary declining to 13% but theft still accounting for 8%. Notably, overnight (12am - 6am), burglary increases to 20%, and vehicle crime sees a rise to 11%, suggesting a need for increased vigilance during these hours.

Comparing St Mary's Bay to its neighbours reveals varying crime rates. Dymchurch has a slightly higher rate of 56.1 per 1,000, while New Romney experiences a considerably higher rate of 97.7 per 1,000. Littlestone-on-Sea, however, demonstrates a lower rate of 40.2 per 1,000, providing a benchmark for comparison. These differences highlight the localised nature of crime and the impact of specific area characteristics on safety levels.

Traditional CCTV systems often record incidents after they’ve occurred, providing footage for investigation but offering little in the way of prevention. The right security system, however, can change that. Consider scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system. scOS proactively detects threats at your property boundary, using multi-camera intelligence to monitor all angles simultaneously. DVLA vehicle verification instantly identifies suspicious vehicles, and pattern learning recognises your family and deliveries, only alerting you to genuine threats. The visible presence of scOS acts as a powerful deterrent – most burglars will decide within those critical first 60 seconds to move on. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively protecting your home is another.