Lower Higham Crime Rate

Lower Higham is a secure urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 62.0 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1. This performance is reflected in its high safety score of 84/100, placing it well above the national benchmark of 78/100. The area is currently on a positive trajectory, with recorded crime decreasing by 14.3% year-over-year. This reduction indicates that Lower Higham is becoming a more secure place for its 1,451 residents. While violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, property-related offences like burglary and vehicle crime are also significant. This report provides a detailed analysis of local crime statistics, including property crime rates, temporal patterns, and comparisons with neighbouring areas to help residents understand their local safety environment.

Crime Breakdown in Lower Higham

Lower Higham's crime profile is primarily led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 37.8% of all recorded incidents (34 crimes). This is followed by burglary at 13.3% and vehicle crime at 11.1%. These figures suggest that while the area is relatively safe, property-related concerns, particularly burglary and car crime, are significant components of the local statistics.

The overall property crime rate in Lower Higham—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—is 26.2 per 1,000 residents. This is lower than the UK average of 32.9, making it a safer environment for homeowners than many urban centres. Within this category, burglary is the most frequent with 12 incidents, followed by vehicle crime with 10 and other theft with 7. For residents, the fact that burglary and vehicle crime are both in the top three crime types suggests that home and car security should be a primary concern. Statistical data shows that 37% of burglaries occur in the afternoon and 48% of vehicle crimes happen at night, highlighting the need for 24/7 protection of property and vehicles.

Crime Trends in Lower Higham

Lower Higham is experiencing a positive safety trend, with total crime decreasing by 14.3% year-over-year. This reduction is a strong indicator that the area is becoming safer over time. Analysis of the monthly trendData reveals that the year began with a steady rate of around 6.2 to 8.3 crimes per 1,000 people.

There was a notable peak in April 2025, recording 10.3 crimes per 1,000 people, but this was followed by a general downward trend throughout the summer and autumn. September 2025 saw the year's lowest rate at just 1.4 per 1,000, before a slight rise in October. The fact that the overall year-over-year change is negative despite the spring peak is a testament to the area's improving security environment. For residents, this means that while occasional fluctuations occur, the long-term trend is one of improvement. The safety score of 84/100 further confirms that Lower Higham remains a secure community with a decreasing crime profile.

How To Keep Safe in Lower Higham

The most common crime type in Lower Higham is violence and sexual offences, accounting for 37.8% of local incidents. While the overall numbers are low, maintaining personal and property safety is essential for peace of mind in this residential community.

1. Daytime Vigilance: 37% of burglaries occur in the afternoon. If you are away from home during the day, ensure all windows and doors are double-locked and consider using timer switches for internal lights to give the impression of occupancy.
2. Secure Your Vehicles: With 48% of vehicle crime occurring at night, always park in a garage if available, or use a well-lit driveway. Ensure no valuables are left on display, as vehicle crime is a top-three concern here.
3. Nocturnal Protection: Since 31% of burglaries occur at night, ensure your home is well-protected after dark. Use motion-activated lighting and a proactive security system to deter intruders under the cover of darkness.
4. Enhance Boundary Security: Clearly define your property's perimeter with robust fencing and lockable gates. This simple physical deterrent can prevent opportunistic trespassers from targeting your home or vehicles.
5. Community Engagement: Join local neighbourhood watch schemes or community social media groups. Sharing information about suspicious activity is one of the most effective ways to prevent crime in a close-knit community like Lower Higham.

Time Patterns of Crime in Lower Higham

Crime in Lower Higham follows specific temporal patterns that residents should use to guide their security habits. Property-related crime, particularly vehicle crime, is heavily concentrated during the night-time hours (12am - 6am), accounting for 48% of all such incidents. This makes night-time the highest risk period for car owners in the area. Burglary also shows significant activity throughout the day, with 37% of incidents occurring in the afternoon (12pm - 6pm) and 31% occurring at night.

Theft-related offences are most common during the morning (37%) and afternoon (39%), coinciding with the typical hours of local activity. Overall crime intensity tends to peak in the late evening and on weekend nights, aligning with broader national trends for personal-related incidents. Monthly data shows that April 2025 was the most active month for crime, with a rate of 10.3 per 1,000, while September 2025 saw the lowest activity. By understanding that vehicle crime is a night-time risk and burglary is a high risk during both the afternoon and night, residents can better time their security precautions to match the local reality.

Lower Higham is part of a high-safety region in Kent, though it has a higher crime rate (62.0) than its immediate neighbour Higham (38.8) and Cliffe Woods (33.5). However, it remains more secure than Shorne (131.8) and Cliffe (67.1). The area's -14.3% year-over-year decrease in crime is a positive indicator of its improving safety profile. For residents, Lower Higham offers a peaceful residential environment that maintains a crime rate significantly below the national average, making it a desirable and secure location within the Gravesham local authority, particularly for those seeking a balance between rural living and accessibility.

In Lower Higham, where the property crime rate is 26.2 per 1,000, property protection is a vital consideration for homeowners. Burglary and vehicle crime are among the top three crime types, suggesting that both homes and cars are potential targets for opportunistic theft. Traditional security systems like standard CCTV or doorbell cameras are reactive; they only provide footage of a crime after it has been committed. To truly protect your home in Lower Higham, a proactive approach is required.

The scOS AI-powered security system is designed to stop crime before it happens. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries, scOS can detect a potential intruder or thief the moment they step onto your land. Its autonomous response system—engaging lights and speakers—destroys the element of surprise and makes your property a "hard target." In an area where 37% of burglaries occur in the afternoon and 48% of vehicle crimes occur at night, scOS provides 24/7 vigilant protection that never blinks. By choosing a proactive system over a traditional recording device, you are ensuring that your home and vehicles remain safe from the property crimes that are statistically significant in the area.