Bearsted Crime Rate March 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Bearsted’s March 2023 crime rate of 4.1 per 1,000 residents marked a continued trend of safety relative to the UK average, which stood at 7.6 per 1,000—a 46.1% gap. The area’s crime profile was dominated by violence and sexual offences (26.5% of all crimes), followed by other theft (14.7%) and shoplifting (11.8%). This distribution suggests that Bearsted’s urban character, with its mix of residential and commercial spaces, contributes to a crime environment where interpersonal conflicts and retail-related incidents are more prevalent. The seasonal transition to spring, with longer evenings, may have influenced patterns, as increased visibility and foot traffic in the evenings could deter some crimes while creating opportunities for others. For instance, the prominence of shoplifting aligns with the area’s retail presence, which may attract opportunistic offenders. However, Bearsted’s lower-than-average rates for violent crimes and anti-social behaviour indicate that local factors—such as community cohesion or effective policing—may be mitigating risks. The relatively low overall rate, combined with the absence of major spikes in any single category, illustrates a stable but not entirely risk-free environment. Residents should remain aware of the specific vulnerabilities, such as burglary and theft, which, while not extreme, still require attention. The data also underscores that Bearsted’s built-up nature within Maidstone may play a role in shaping its crime dynamics, with limited opportunities for certain types of crime but persistent challenges in others.

March 2023 saw a mix of crime trends in Bearsted, with some categories deviating from the UK average. Violence and sexual offences, at 1.1 per 1,000 residents, were 60% below the UK rate, suggesting a lower incidence of such crimes in this area. Conversely, burglary and other thefts were 21% and 2% above UK averages, respectively, indicating localized vulnerabilities. Shoplifting, at 0.5 per 1,000, matched the UK rate but accounted for 11.8% of all crimes in Bearsted, highlighting its prominence in retail areas. The rise in burglary, though modest, may be linked to the area’s built-up nature and potential for targeted property crimes. Residents should remain vigilant in high-traffic zones, where these incidents are more likely to occur. The balance between property and violent crime also shifted slightly, with property crimes (18) outpacing violent crimes (9), a trend consistent with Bearsted’s character as a residential and commercial hub.

Bearsted’s March 2023 crime rate of 4.1 per 1,000 residents remains significantly below the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000, a gap of 46.1%. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 246 residents, underscoring the relatively low frequency of incidents in this built-up area. Daily crime context shows an average of one crime per day in Bearsted, a figure that aligns with the area’s small population and lower overall crime rate. When compared to other regions, Bearsted’s performance highlights the effectiveness of local policing strategies or the influence of its urban character, which may limit opportunities for certain types of crime. However, the population-scaled perspective reveals that while the absolute number of crimes is low, the distribution across categories like burglary and theft still warrants attention. These figures suggest that Bearsted’s residents face a crime environment that is markedly safer than the national average, but not entirely free from risk.