Bearsted Crime Rate January 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Bearsted's crime rate in January 2025 stood at 3.8 per 1,000 residents, a figure that is 46.5% below the UK average of 7.1. This stark contrast with national trends is most evident in the category of violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 46.9% of all reported crimes (15 cases) and were 28% below the UK average for this category. The area's crime profile is dominated by violent incidents, followed by other theft (25.0% of total crimes), shoplifting (12.5%), and vehicle crime (6.3%). Seasonal factors likely influenced these patterns, as January is typically characterised by reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours, which may suppress outdoor crimes but could also create opportunities for targeted theft in residential areas. The relatively low overall rate suggests Bearsted's built-up area within Maidstone maintains a safer environment compared to the UK average, though the sharp increase in 'other theft' cases raises questions about local vulnerabilities. The balance between property and violent crimes remains skewed towards violence, which may reflect Bearsted's demographic composition or the presence of high-risk social interactions in public spaces. This pattern is consistent with other small urban areas where community cohesion and local policing efforts can significantly impact crime dynamics.

January 2025 saw a dramatic 300% increase in 'other theft' cases, rising from 2 to 8 incidents. This surge, coupled with 100% increases in both vehicle crime (1 to 2) and shoplifting (0 to 4), indicates a sharp shift in criminal activity patterns. While violent crimes remained the most common category (15 cases), they were 28% below the UK average for this category. The contrast with 'other theft'—which was 104% above the UK average—highlights an unusual imbalance in Bearsted's crime profile. This divergence may reflect local factors, such as unsecured properties or targeted retail areas. For residents, the 300% rise in theft cases is a specific concern, particularly given the post-holiday period and reduced retail footfall typically observed in January.

Bearsted's crime rate in January 2025 rose 68.7% compared to December 2024, reflecting a shift from 2.3 to 3.8 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though notable, remains 46.5% below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately one crime reported per day over the 31-day period, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for local residents. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure rate translates to one reported crime for every 261 residents, a statistic that highlights the relatively low frequency of crime in Bearsted compared to national benchmarks. This population-scaled perspective is particularly useful for understanding risk in a local context, as it avoids overemphasising absolute numbers. The increase in January aligns with seasonal patterns, as shorter daylight hours and post-holiday economic activity may influence crime dynamics in a built-up area like Bearsted.