Bearsted Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Bearsted's crime profile in May 2024 reveals a stark contrast between local patterns and national trends. With 26 reported crimes—equivalent to 3.1 incidents per 1,000 residents—Bearsted remains 63.1% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This low rate, despite a 53.2% month-on-month increase, underscores the area's continued safety profile. The crime mix is dominated by violent offences (19 incidents, 73.1% of total), a category where Bearsted's rate (2.3 per 1,000) is 19% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour (3 incidents, 0.4 per 1,000) and vehicle crime (2 incidents, 0.2 per 1,000) follow, both significantly under UK benchmarks. Seasonal factors likely influenced these patterns: May's longer evenings and increased socialising may have contributed to the violent crime surge. The area's built-up character within Maidstone—a commuter town with a mix of residential and retail spaces—creates an environment where public interactions are frequent but not necessarily high-risk. However, the sharp rise in violent crimes suggests a temporary shift, linked to May's bank holidays and heightened outdoor activity. While property crimes remain minimal (3 incidents, 0.4 per 1,000), the dominance of violent offences indicates a need for focused community safety strategies. This data illustrates an area where crime is exceptionally low overall, but where specific issues—particularly personal safety—require attention. The low crime levels, combined with the UK-wide context, reinforce Bearsted's status as a relatively secure community, even as local fluctuations occur.

Violent crimes in Bearsted surged by 171.4% in May 2024, rising from 7 to 19 incidents. This increase, while stark, still places Bearsted 19% below the UK average for violence and sexual offences (2.8 per 1,000). Vehicle crime doubled from zero to two incidents, a category where Bearsted's rate (0.2 per 1,000) remains 57% below the UK average (0.5 per 1,000). Anti-social behaviour decreased by 25%, dropping from four to three incidents. The crime mix shifted significantly, with violent crimes accounting for 73.1% of total reports—substantially higher than property crimes (7.7%). For residents, the spike in violent crimes may be concerning, though the overall rate remains exceptionally low compared to national levels. This shift in crime composition suggests a temporary intensification of personal safety issues, possibly linked to May's extended evenings and social activities.

Bearsted's crime rate in May 2024 rose by 53.2% compared to April 2024, moving from 2.0 to 3.1 per 1,000 residents. This increase, while notable, remains significantly below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately one crime reported per day in May, a figure that reflects the relatively low overall crime levels. When viewed through a population lens, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for roughly every 321 residents. This ratio provides context for residents: over the course of the month, each individual in Bearsted had a 1-in-321 chance of being directly affected by a reported crime. The population-scaled perspective highlights the area's continued safety relative to national benchmarks, even as local crime rates show a month-on-month uptick. This contrast underscores Bearsted's position as a low-crime community within a broader UK context.