Coxheath Crime Rate August 2025 | Monthly Statistics

August 2025 presented a complex picture of crime in Coxheath, a built-up area within Maidstone, where the overall crime rate of 6.5 per 1,000 residents placed the area 19.8% below the UK average. This figure, though modest, highlights a localised pattern of crime that diverges from national trends in several key ways. The most striking anomaly was the 250% surge in shoplifting, which rose from two to seven incidents—a development that, while seemingly disconnected from broader trends, may be influenced by the area's proximity to tourist routes and retail hubs. Anti-social behaviour remained the most frequently reported category, accounting for 32.3% of all crimes, a rate that exceeded the UK average by 44%. This suggests a potential mismatch between local policing priorities and the specific challenges of managing public order in a densely populated, built-up area. In contrast, violent crimes were lower than the UK average, with violence and sexual offences at 1.6 per 1,000—a 44% deficit compared to the national figure. This could be attributed to the area's character as a commuter-oriented suburb, where demographic stability and community cohesion may contribute to lower levels of interpersonal violence. Seasonal factors also played a role: August, as a peak holiday month, saw increased foot traffic and temporary population shifts, which may have influenced both the rise in shoplifting and the decline in property crimes. The interplay of these elements underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of Coxheath's crime profile, one that accounts for both local conditions and broader national patterns.

August 2025 saw a dramatic 250% increase in shoplifting incidents, rising from 2 to 7 cases—a surge that contrasts sharply with the 75% decrease in criminal damage and arson, which fell from 12 to 3. This volatility in specific crime types suggests seasonal influences, such as increased retail activity during peak holiday periods, may be driving some of these trends. Anti-social behaviour remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 32.3% of all reported crimes, with a rate of 2.1 per 1,000 residents—44% above the UK average. Conversely, violence and sexual offences, though still a significant category (24.2% of total crimes), were 44% below the UK average at 1.6 per 1,000. This divergence points to local factors, such as the area's character as a built-up part of Maidstone, where community engagement and local policing may contribute to lower violent crime rates. For residents, the sharp rise in shoplifting—now the third most common crime—may signal a need for heightened awareness in retail areas during the summer months.

Coxheath's crime rate in August 2025 (6.5 per 1,000 residents) marked a 6.1% decline from the previous month's 6.9 per 1,000, continuing a trend of moderation in local crime statistics. This monthly rate translates to approximately two crimes reported every day in the area, a figure that aligns with the built-up nature of the neighbourhood but remains below the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 155 residents, a ratio that suggests the local community experiences crime at a lower frequency than the national average. The population context further highlights this: with 9,610 residents, the 62 total crimes reported in August represent a manageable proportion of the population, though fluctuations in specific crime types—such as the sharp rise in shoplifting—warrant closer attention to local patterns. The comparison to the previous month also underscores the influence of seasonal factors, as August, a peak holiday month, typically sees shifts in both resident and visitor activity that may affect crime dynamics. While the overall rate remains stable, the month-on-month changes in individual categories reveal a more nuanced picture of local security.