Bearsted Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Bearsted’s crime rate in October 2023 stood at 1.8 per 1,000 residents, a figure 77.5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This performance positions the area as significantly safer than the national average, a trend consistent with Bearsted’s historical data. The top crime categories were violence and sexual offences (40% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (20%) and criminal damage and arson (13.3%). These figures suggest a focus on interpersonal and property-related issues, though the low overall rate indicates effective local crime prevention. October’s seasonal context—shorter daylight hours, the clocks going back, and Halloween—likely influenced patterns, with increased public order offences potentially linked to seasonal gatherings. The area’s built-up character within Maidstone may contribute to lower rates of rural-specific crimes, while its proximity to urban centres could explain the presence of anti-social behaviour and violence. The absence of major spikes in vehicle crime or theft from the person aligns with Bearsted’s lower retail density compared to larger towns. This month’s data reinforces Bearsted’s position as a relatively safe built-up area, though the 100% increase in public order offences highlights the need for continued monitoring of seasonal trends.

The most significant month-on-month shift in October 2023 was a 45.5% decrease in violence and sexual offences, dropping from 11 to 6. This category, which contributes 40% of all reported crimes, remained 74% below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000. Conversely, public order offences saw a 100% increase, rising from 0 to 1, a rare upward movement in an otherwise stable category. Other crime also doubled, moving from 0 to 1, though this remains 29% below the UK average. The contrast between falling violent crime and rising public order offences suggests shifting patterns, possibly influenced by October’s darker evenings and Halloween activities. For residents, the 77.5% gap between Bearsted’s rate and the UK average offers a clear benchmark for local safety relative to national trends.

Bearsted's crime rate in October 2023 fell to 1.8 per 1,000 residents, a 46.3% drop from the previous month's 3.4 per 1,000. This decline aligns with broader seasonal patterns, as October’s shorter evenings and the transition from autumn to winter may reduce opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, Bearsted recorded roughly 0 crimes per day in October, reflecting a local figure that underscores the area’s low crime environment. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 557 residents, a statistic that contextualises safety within the population. When compared to the UK average, Bearsted’s rate remains 77.5% below the national figure, highlighting the area’s consistent performance relative to other regions. This monthly exposure metric, while low, is a useful benchmark for residents to understand the likelihood of encountering crime in their daily lives. The population context—Bearsted’s 8,356 residents—further reinforces that the crime rate is proportionally minimal, suggesting that local initiatives or community dynamics may contribute to this sustained safety record.