Bearsted Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Bearsted’s crime profile in December 2023 revealed a nuanced interplay between property and violent crimes, with the two categories nearly balanced—property crimes (9 incidents) slightly outnumbering violent crimes (8 incidents). This equilibrium, while unusual, may reflect seasonal dynamics, such as the dual pressures of holiday-related property vulnerabilities and increased social activity during the festive period. The overall crime rate of 2.6 per 1,000 residents placed Bearsted 63.9% below the UK average, a stark contrast to the national profile dominated by higher rates of violent and property crimes. This disparity is evident in specific categories: violence and sexual offences in Bearsted were 62% below the UK average, and shoplifting incidents were 59% below the national rate. The seasonal context of December—characterized by dark evenings, empty homes over the holidays, and heightened retail activity—likely contributed to these patterns. For instance, the increase in criminal damage and arson may be linked to the challenges of securing properties during the Christmas season, while the relatively low rates of public order offences could indicate effective community policing or the absence of large-scale events. The data also highlights Bearsted’s resilience in maintaining low crime levels despite the month-on-month rise, suggesting that local factors such as strong community engagement or environmental design may play a role in mitigating risks. However, the sharp increases in certain categories, such as violence and sexual offences, warrant attention, as they may signal underlying trends or temporary spikes influenced by broader socioeconomic conditions. Overall, Bearsted’s crime profile in December 2023 illustrates a complex relationship between local characteristics and seasonal influences, offering insights into both the strengths and vulnerabilities of this built-up area within Maidstone.

December 2023 saw sharp increases in several crime categories, with criminal damage and arson surging by 400% (from 1 to 5 incidents) and violence and sexual offences rising by 166.7% (from 3 to 8). These jumps, while significant, still left Bearsted’s rates for these categories well below the UK average—violence and sexual offences were 62% lower than the national rate. The balance between property and violent crimes remained closely aligned, with property crimes (9 incidents) narrowly outpacing violent crimes (8 incidents). This near-parity suggests a shift in criminal activity patterns, possibly influenced by seasonal factors such as holiday-related property vulnerabilities or increased social interactions. Categories like shoplifting and vehicle crime remained 59% and 78% below UK averages, respectively, reinforcing Bearsted’s overall safety profile despite the month-on-month spikes. Residents may find the 1-in-380 monthly exposure rate a useful metric for contextualizing local crime risks.

Bearsted's crime rate in December 2023 rose 119.2% compared to the previous month, reflecting a significant upward shift. This increase contrasts with the area’s historically low crime profile, which has consistently placed it well below the UK average. On a daily basis, Bearsted recorded roughly one crime per day during December, a figure that, while low, highlights the potential for sudden spikes in activity. When scaled to the local population, the monthly exposure rate of one crime for every 380 residents underscores the rarity of incidents in this built-up area. This statistic, however, does not account for the seasonal context of December, a time when heightened activity in retail and social spaces may temporarily elevate crime risks. The population context further illustrates that Bearsted’s crime levels remain exceptionally low relative to its size, even after the month-on-month increase. Residents may find the 1-in-380 monthly exposure rate a useful benchmark for understanding local risk levels, though such figures can fluctuate with seasonal and environmental factors.