Maidstone Crime Rate

Maidstone maintains a strong safety profile with a safety score of 80/100, which is slightly better than the UK average of 79. For its 187,767 residents, the overall crime rate is 88.8 per 1,000 people, a figure that is lower than the national average of 91.7. Property crime is also relatively infrequent, with a rate of 28.9 per 1,000 residents compared to the UK average of 32.3. Data from December 2024 to November 2025 indicates a positive trend, with total crime decreasing by 6.5% compared to the previous year. This downward trajectory suggests that Maidstone is an increasingly secure local authority area, offering a higher level of property security than many other major urban hubs in Kent.

Maidstone is the county town of Kent and serves as a major administrative, commercial, and retail hub for the region. The local authority area features a mix of a busy urban centre, extensive suburban residential areas, and picturesque rural villages. Major employers include the local government, healthcare services, and a significant retail sector, particularly around the Fremlin Walk and The Mall shopping centres. Maidstone's nightlife is a key feature, with numerous bars and clubs attracting visitors from across the county. The area is well-connected by road and rail, with the M20 motorway and several railway lines facilitating high levels of daily movement. Demographically, Maidstone has a diverse population with a blend of long-term residents and a transient workforce. These factors—urban density, a thriving retail environment, and a vibrant nightlife—all influence the local crime statistics, particularly in categories like violence, anti-social behaviour, and retail-related theft. Understanding this context helps residents and businesses navigate the local safety landscape more effectively.

Maidstone's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 37.3% of all recorded incidents (6,217 cases). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common at 17.8%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 9.7%. When examining property crime collectively—including burglary, robbery, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—the rate in Maidstone is 28.9 per 1,000 residents. This is lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3, suggesting that homes and assets are relatively secure compared to the national norm. Shoplifting is also a significant factor, representing 8.6% of total crime, while other theft accounts for 6.8%. For residents, this means that while personal safety and public order are the primary local concerns, property security—particularly in commercial areas—requires consistent attention and proactive measures. Burglary and vehicle crime combined represent over 6% of local activity, indicating that basic residential security remains important.

Maidstone is currently seeing a positive trend in its safety profile, with a 6.5% decrease in total crime over the past year. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a consistent pattern of activity. The year began with rates between 6.2 and 7.2 from December to February, rising to a peak of 8.1 in May. Throughout the summer, the rate remained high but steady, peaking at 8.9 in July. The period concluded with rates between 6.7 and 7.2 from September to November. This lack of major volatility and the overall downward trajectory suggest that Maidstone is an increasingly secure local authority area. The consistent monthly figures indicate that local crime levels are being managed effectively across the diverse urban and rural communities within the district.

In the regional context of Kent, Maidstone (88.8) is a major urban authority. While direct comparisons to neighbours like Swale, Tonbridge and Malling, Tunbridge Wells, Ashford, Gravesham, and Medway are limited by their zero reported crimes during this specific period, Maidstone remains a key residential and commercial hub. Its safety score of 80 and lower-than-average property crime rate make it a competitive choice for those seeking a balance between urban accessibility and residential security within the county. For those considering the area, Maidstone offers a high level of safety that compares favourably with the national average.

Homeowners in Maidstone benefit from a property crime rate of 28.9 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the UK national average. However, with over 1,600 incidents of criminal damage and over 650 vehicle crimes annually, maintaining robust security is essential. Traditional security systems that only record footage are reactive; they provide evidence after the damage is done but rarely stop the crime. The scOS AI-powered operating system offers a proactive alternative by focusing on prevention. Its multi-camera intelligence watches your property boundaries 24/7, using AI to identify potential threats before they reach your home. For Maidstone residents, scOS's ability to distinguish between known family members and suspicious behaviour is invaluable, preventing false alarms while ensuring real threats are met with an autonomous response. This might include activating high-intensity lighting or audio warnings to deter criminals in real-time. By moving from reactive recording to proactive deterrence, scOS provides a level of security specifically suited to an urban setting, ensuring your home remains a hard target for opportunistic offenders. Professional-grade AI security is the most effective way to protect your property and family.

How To Keep Safe in Maidstone

The most common crime in Maidstone is violence and sexual offences. To stay safe, always be aware of your surroundings in public spaces, particularly in the town centre after dark. Stick to well-lit paths, use busy transport hubs, and try to walk with others whenever possible.

Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage account for over 27% of local reports. If you encounter disruptive behaviour in your neighbourhood or town centre, avoid direct confrontation and report it to the local authorities. Community vigilance and reporting help maintain the area's safety standards.

Property crime is lower than the UK average, but residents should still be proactive. Ensure all vehicles are locked and valuables are kept out of sight to deter vehicle crime. For home security, maintain high-quality locks on all windows and doors. Given the urban environment, consider a proactive AI security system like scOS that can detect and deter intruders at your boundary. Being part of a local neighbourhood watch can also help you stay informed about recent criminal activity across the Maidstone local authority area. For businesses, implementing robust retail security measures can help mitigate the impact of shoplifting.