Bearsted Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Bearsted’s crime profile in December 2025 reveals a combination of seasonal factors and local dynamics. The overall crime rate of 3.8 per 1,000 residents, 45.7% below the UK average, underscores the area’s relatively low risk environment. This figure is driven by a balanced distribution of crime types, with property and violent crimes each accounting for 12 of the 32 total incidents. Violence and sexual offences, the most prevalent category, represented 37.5% of all reported crimes, though their rate (1.4 per 1,000) was 46% below the UK average. This suggests that local enforcement strategies or community characteristics may be contributing to the suppression of violent crime during the festive season. The rise in property-related crimes, particularly other theft (15.6% of total incidents) and burglary (12.5% of total incidents), may be linked to the Christmas shopping peak, extended retail hours, and the presence of temporary holiday workers in the area. Other theft, which surged 400% compared to November, highlights the vulnerability of unsecured personal items in crowded public spaces. Meanwhile, burglary’s 300% increase points to targeted opportunities in residential areas, exacerbated by the absence of occupants during the holiday period. The seasonal context of December—dark evenings, increased foot traffic in retail areas, and the presence of temporary workers—likely contributes to these patterns. The area’s compact built-up nature and lower population density compared to major urban centres may also play a role in mitigating the impact of concentrated criminal activity, even as rates rise. This balance between property and violent crime, alongside the seasonal fluctuations, offers a nuanced picture of Bearsted’s safety landscape, where local factors and timing significantly influence crime trends.

December 2025 saw sharp spikes in specific crime categories, with other theft surging 400% (from 1 to 5 incidents) and burglary rising 300% (from 1 to 4). These increases, coupled with a 100% rise in 'other crime', suggest a shift in criminal activity patterns, potentially linked to the Christmas shopping peak and dark evenings. The balance between property and violent crimes remained equal, with each category accounting for 12 of the 32 total incidents. Violence and sexual offences, at 1.4 per 1,000, were 46% below the UK average, while burglary and other theft exceeded national benchmarks. This contrast may reflect local factors such as the festive season driving property crimes and targeted enforcement reducing violent incidents. Residents should note the 400% increase in 'other theft' as a specific concern, requiring vigilance in securing personal items during the festive period. The UK average for burglary (0.3 per 1,000) being 79% below Bearsted’s rate highlights the need for local security measures, particularly in residential areas during periods of reduced occupancy.

Bearsted’s crime rate in December 2025 rose to 3.8 per 1,000 residents from 2.3 per 1,000 in November, a 68.7% increase. This upward trend, though notable, must be contextualised within the area’s small population of 8,356 and its built-up nature. The daily crime count remains exceptionally low at approximately one incident per day, a figure that reflects the compactness of the community and its limited public spaces compared to larger urban centres. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 261 residents, a monthly exposure that is significantly lower than the UK average when scaled to population size. This statistic highlights the relative safety of Bearsted despite the rate’s increase, as the absolute number of incidents remains manageable. The area’s low population density, combined with its likely reliance on local amenities and limited foot traffic during peak hours, may dilute the impact of concentrated criminal activity. This dynamic underscores the importance of distinguishing between per-capita rates and absolute numbers when assessing safety in smaller communities, as Bearsted’s crime profile remains modest compared to broader UK trends.