Maidstone Crime Rate

Maidstone local authority maintains a solid safety profile with an overall crime rate of 88.8 per 1,000 people per year. This figure sits comfortably below the UK average of 91.6, reflecting the area's status as a relatively secure part of Kent. Maidstone earns a safety score of 80/100, which is higher than the national average safety score of 79. The region is also benefiting from a positive trend in safety, with total recorded crime decreasing by 6.0% year-over-year. This combination of a below-average crime rate and a downward trend makes Maidstone an attractive location for residents and businesses alike. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of the crime breakdown and monthly trends observed between January and December 2025.

Maidstone, the county town of Kent, is a vibrant administrative and commercial centre that serves a large regional population. Its crime statistics are influenced by its role as a major transport hub, with significant rail and road links to London and the coast. The town features a busy high street, extensive retail developments like Fremlin Walk, and a lively nightlife scene, all of which contribute to higher footfall and transient populations. While much of the local authority area is residential and suburban, the concentration of commercial activity in the town centre naturally attracts higher levels of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. Economic factors, including its status as a significant employer in the legal, administrative, and retail sectors, also play a role in the area's demographic profile. The mix of urban density in the core and more tranquil outlying villages creates a varied crime landscape across the district.

In Maidstone, the crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 37.4% of all reported incidents (33.2 per 1,000). This is followed by anti-social behaviour (18.0%) and criminal damage and arson (9.6%). These figures indicate that personal and social-related offences are the most frequent issues handled by local police. Property crime—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, shoplifting, and various thefts—presents a combined rate of 28.7 per 1,000 residents. Within this category, shoplifting is notably high at 8.4% of total crime, followed by other theft at 6.7% and vehicle crime at 4.0%. Burglary represents 2.3% of the total. For residents and homeowners, this data suggests that while violent crime is statistically the most common, property-related offences, particularly theft and vandalism, are significant concerns that require proactive security measures.

Maidstone is experiencing a positive downward trend in criminal activity, with a 6.0% reduction in total recorded crimes year-over-year. This decrease suggests that local safety initiatives and policing are having a beneficial impact. Monthly data for 2025 shows that the year began with a rate of 7.2 per 1,000 in January, reaching a peak of 8.9 in July. This summer peak is common in many areas due to increased outdoor activity and tourism. Following July, the rate generally declined, ending the year at 7.1 in December. The lowest point was recorded in February at 6.2. These fluctuations show a typical seasonal pattern, but the overall annual decrease remains the most significant indicator for the district's long-term safety outlook.

When comparing Maidstone to its nearby local authorities, it appears as a busier hub with a higher crime rate. Neighbours such as Swale, Tonbridge and Malling, Tunbridge Wells, Ashford, Gravesham, and Medway all reported significantly lower crime rates (0.0 per 1,000 in this dataset) compared to Maidstone's 88.8. This disparity is likely due to Maidstone's role as a major county town and commercial centre, which naturally attracts higher levels of activity and associated crime. For those considering the region, Maidstone offers the amenities of a large town but with a higher crime profile than the more rural or purely residential surrounding districts.

With a property crime rate of 28.7 per 1,000 and criminal damage making up nearly 10% of all incidents, residents in the Maidstone local authority should consider robust home security solutions. Traditional security often focuses on recording a crime after it has occurred, which may help with insurance or prosecution but does little to prevent the initial trauma of a break-in or act of vandalism. scOS offers a proactive alternative by using AI-powered intelligence to monitor your property's boundary. Unlike standard CCTV, scOS can distinguish between your family, delivery drivers, and genuine threats, only alerting you when it matters. By activating autonomous deterrents like lights and audio warnings as soon as a threat is detected, scOS stops intruders before they can cause damage or gain entry. This shift from reactive to proactive protection is the most effective way to safeguard your home in an area where property-related offences are a persistent factor. Investing in a system that prevents crime before it happens provides the highest level of security for Maidstone homeowners.

How To Keep Safe in Maidstone

The most common crime in the Maidstone local authority area is violence and sexual offences. To enhance your personal safety, it is advisable to stay alert when in busy town centre areas, especially during the evening and night. Stick to well-lit routes, use licensed taxis when travelling late, and consider personal safety apps that allow you to share your journey with friends or family.

For property owners, the high rate of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage suggests that securing your home’s perimeter is vital. Ensure that gates are locked and that there are no easy hiding spots around your property; motion-activated lighting is an excellent deterrent. For vehicle safety, always park in well-lit areas or secure car parks and never leave valuables inside your car. Even an empty bag can be enough to tempt an opportunistic thief. Finally, staying connected with your local neighbourhood watch or community police team can provide valuable updates on any specific crime trends in your immediate area.