Bearsted Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Bearsted’s crime profile in January 2026 reveals a striking contrast to the UK average, with a rate of 3.7 per 1,000 residents—45.6% below the national figure of 6.8 per 1,000. This disparity is most pronounced in violent crime, where Bearsted recorded 14 incidents (45.2% of total crimes), compared to the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000. Despite this, Bearsted’s violent crime rate remains 32% below the UK norm, a gap that may reflect the area’s relatively low population density and the absence of major nightlife hubs that often drive such offences. The second most common category, anti-social behaviour (4 cases, 12.9% of total), is 46% below the UK average, consistent with Bearsted’s character as a built-up area within Maidstone rather than a densely populated urban centre. Seasonal factors in January—such as reduced retail footfall, shorter daylight hours, and the post-holiday period—likely contributed to the lower prevalence of shoplifting and public order offences, which accounted for 6.5% of total crimes. The UK average for shoplifting (0.6 per 1,000) is 65% higher than Bearsted’s figure, reinforcing the notion that retail activity is not a major driver of crime in this area. Meanwhile, the 100% increase in criminal damage and arson compared to December 2025 may hint at a seasonal pattern. These figures, when contextualised against Bearsted’s population of 8,356, illustrate a community where crime is not only less frequent but also concentrated in categories that are typically underrepresented in national statistics.

January 2026 saw a 100% increase in anti-social behaviour, criminal damage, and shoplifting compared to December 2025, while other theft cases dropped by 60%. This shift in crime mix indicates a greater proportion of property-related incidents, though Bearsted still maintains a lower rate of violent crime than the UK average (32% below). The 65% shortfall in shoplifting compared to the UK average (0.6 per 1,000) may reflect Bearsted’s limited retail density, a factor consistent with its character as a built-up area within Maidstone rather than a major retail hub. The 100% rise in criminal damage and arson, despite the UK average for this category being 0.5 per 1,000, suggests a localised spike that warrants further local analysis. For residents, the 100% increase in shoplifting—a category typically driven by high-footfall areas—may signal an unusual trend, though the overall low volume (2 cases) remains statistically insignificant.

Bearsted’s crime rate in January 2026 (3.7 per 1,000 residents) reflects a 3.1% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 3.8 per 1,000, suggesting a slight decline in overall incidents. This reduction aligns with the seasonal context of January, a post-holiday period marked by shorter days and reduced retail activity, which may temper outdoor crimes. On a daily basis, Bearsted recorded approximately one crime per day in January, a figure that underscores the area’s relatively low crime density compared to national averages. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 270 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Bearsted well below the UK’s average experience. This figure, when contextualised against the local population of 8,356, highlights the low likelihood of any individual encountering crime, reinforcing the area’s safety profile. The consistency in this low exposure rate, despite month-on-month fluctuations in specific crime types, suggests broader systemic factors—such as community engagement or local policing strategies—may be contributing to sustained stability.