Headcorn Crime Rate

Headcorn is a safe and well-regarded residential village with an overall crime rate of 85.0 per 1,000 people per year. This is lower than the UK average of 91.6, contributing to its safety score of 79/100 (national average is 79). Most encouragingly, Headcorn is seeing a significant downward trend in criminal activity, with total recorded crime decreasing by 24.5% year-over-year. As a key village in Kent with its own railway station and local amenities, the crime profile is influenced by both residential and transit activity. This report provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, monthly trends, and temporal patterns from January to December 2025, offering homeowners and prospective residents a clear picture of the local safety environment in Headcorn.

In Headcorn, the most frequent crime type is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 46.1% of all reports (39.1 per 1,000). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 18.2% and criminal damage and arson at 8.1%. These three categories represent the majority of local police activity. Property crime, including burglary, vehicle crime, shoplifting, and various thefts, has an overall rate of 22.3 per 1,000 residents. Within this group, 'other theft' is the most frequent at 5.7%, followed by burglary at 4.6% and shoplifting at 4.1%. Vehicle crime represents 3.0% of total crime. For residents, the data suggests that while the area is generally safe, property protection should focus on preventing burglary and opportunistic theft, which are notable property issues in the village.

Headcorn is experiencing a significant downward trend in crime, with a 24.5% reduction year-over-year. This is a very positive indicator for the village's safety. Monthly data for 2025 shows that the year began with a rate of 9.0 per 1,000 in January, which was the highest point of the year along with July (9.2). Following the summer peak, the crime rate generally declined, reaching its lowest point in August at 4.6. The year ended with a rate of 5.8 in December. Despite the seasonal fluctuations, the overall trend is clearly decreasing, suggesting that safety in Headcorn is steadily improving.

How To Keep Safe in Headcorn

The most common crime in Headcorn is violence and sexual offences. While the overall risk is lower than in many urban areas, it is always wise to practice general situational awareness. When walking through the village at night, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through less populated paths or park areas. If you are out late, consider letting someone know when you expect to be home or using a personal safety app.

Given the rate of burglary and other theft in the area, property owners should take steps to secure their homes. Ensure all windows and doors are locked, even when you are at home, and consider installing motion-activated lighting around the exterior of your property. For vehicle safety, always double-check that your car is locked and never leave valuables, bags, or electronics in plain sight. Opportunistic thieves often target vehicles that appear to have easy-to-grab items. Finally, staying active in local community groups or social media safety forums can help you stay informed about any recent spikes in activity or suspicious behaviour in the village, ensuring that Headcorn remains a safe place to live.

Crime in Headcorn follows a distinct temporal pattern. Morning and afternoon hours are heavily weighted toward theft-related offences, accounting for 41% and 43% of crimes respectively. This coincides with the village's peak daytime activity and the operation of local businesses. As the day moves into the evening and night, the nature of crime shifts toward 'other' offences, which include anti-social behaviour and public order issues, making up 51% of evening reports. Night-time (12am-6am) sees a rise in vehicle crime, which accounts for 26% of all incidents during these hours. Burglary risk is also most prominent at night (28%) and in the afternoon (25%). These trends suggest that while daytime is busier for theft, the night-time hours present a higher specific risk for vehicle owners and residential property security.

In the local context, Headcorn is safer than the nearby urban centre of Maidstone, which has a much higher crime rate of 108.5 per 1,000. However, it is less secure than neighbouring Ulcombe (67.4) and Smarden (54.0). Headcorn offers a balanced middle-ground for the region—providing more amenities and better transport links than the smallest villages but maintaining a much quieter and safer atmosphere than the main town. This makes it a popular choice for families and commuters seeking a secure village lifestyle. This comparison highlights Headcorn's reputation as a well-connected and safe residential option.

In Headcorn, the property crime rate of 22.3 per 1,000 and the moderate burglary rate (4.6% of total crime) suggest that home security is an important consideration for residents. Traditional security systems like basic CCTV or DIY alarms are reactive; they only alert you after a window has been broken or a door forced. For residents seeking a more robust solution, scOS offers a proactive AI-powered operating system that transforms how you protect your home. By monitoring your property's perimeter in real-time, scOS can identify potential intruders before they even reach your house. The system’s autonomous responses—such as activating lighting and audible warnings—are designed to deter intruders instantly. This proactive approach is far more effective than simply recording a crime, as it stops the incident before it can cause damage or entry. For Headcorn homeowners, scOS provides the technology to ensure your home remains a safe sanctuary, preventing crime before it happens and giving you genuine peace of mind.