Headcorn Crime Rate

Headcorn maintains a safety profile that is consistent with the national average, with a safety score of 79/100. Its overall crime rate stands at 85.2 per 1,000 residents, which is notably lower than the UK average of 91.7. Most encouragingly, Headcorn is experiencing a significant downward trend in criminal activity, with a substantial 24.2% decrease in reported crimes year-over-year. This strong trajectory towards improved safety, captured in the data from December 2024 to November 2025, makes it an increasingly secure place for residents. While the area does have higher rates of violence and anti-social behaviour than some of its smaller neighbours, the overall trend is one of positive change and enhanced community security.

Crime Breakdown in Headcorn

The crime landscape in Headcorn is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for a high 45.4% of all reported incidents (38.7 per 1,000 residents). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 17.0% and criminal damage and arson at 8.7%. These figures suggest that personal safety and community order are the most frequent concerns for those living in the village.

Property crime in Headcorn, including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, occurs at a rate of 23.9 per 1,000 people. While this is lower than the UK average of 32.3, it still represents a significant portion of local police activity. Burglary and shoplifting each account for 4.6% of total crime. Notably, the relative intensity of burglary in Headcorn is highest at night, where it accounts for 29% of all incidents between 12am and 6am. Vehicle crime is also a night-time concern, making up 27% of reports during those same hours. This highlights a clear need for robust overnight security for both homes and vehicles in the area.

Crime Trends in Headcorn

Headcorn is currently experiencing a very positive downward trend in crime, with a significant 24.2% decrease in total reported incidents year-over-year. This substantial reduction is a strong indicator that the area is becoming much safer for its residents.

Analysis of the monthly trend data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a generally declining trajectory. The year began with a rate of 9.0 crimes per 1,000 in January 2025. While there was a peak of 9.2 in July, the overall trend has been downward since then. By the end of the period, the rate had dropped to 5.8 in October and remained low at 6.0 in November 2025. This consistent decline from the summer peak is very encouraging. For homeowners and residents, these trends suggest that local safety initiatives are having a real impact, making Headcorn a more secure and stable community than it was a year ago.

How To Keep Safe in Headcorn

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Headcorn, accounting for over 45% of local reports. Additionally, anti-social behaviour and night-time property crime are key areas for resident awareness.

To stay safe in Headcorn, consider these recommendations:

1. Be particularly vigilant about home and vehicle security overnight, as burglary and vehicle crime together account for 56% of all incidents between 12am and 6am.
2. When walking in the village during the evening, stick to well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings, as anti-social behaviour and 'other' crime types are most prevalent during these hours.
3. Ensure all windows and doors are securely locked in the afternoon as well as at night, as data shows a significant 25% of afternoon crimes are burglaries.
4. Report any anti-social behaviour or criminal damage to the local authorities to help them target hotspots and continue the area's downward crime trend.
5. Consider installing a proactive security system that can detect intruders at your property boundary, providing an effective deterrent during the high-risk night-time hours.

Crime in Headcorn follows a very distinct daily cycle. During the morning and afternoon, theft-related offences are the most common, accounting for 42% and 43% of incidents respectively. This aligns with the village's active daytime hours. As the day transitions into evening, the profile shifts toward 'other' categories, such as anti-social behaviour and public order, which make up 50% of reports between 6pm and midnight. However, the night-time period (12am-6am) presents the most significant risk for property owners; burglary surges to account for 29% of incidents, and vehicle crime reaches 27%. This data highlights that while daytime crime is largely opportunistic, the late-night hours bring a specific and high-intensity threat to home and vehicle security.

In the local context, Headcorn is a more active settlement than its immediate rural neighbours. Its crime rate of 85.2 per 1,000 is higher than Marden (57.5), Ulcombe (63.5), and Smarden (51.2). It is also significantly busier than the rural hamlets of Frittenden and Chartway Street, which recorded no crime during this period. However, Headcorn remains a much safer alternative to the larger urban centre of Maidstone. For those seeking a large, well-served village, Headcorn offers a safety profile that is improving rapidly, providing a secure environment that balances rural charm with essential local services.

Headcorn's property crime rate of 23.9 per 1,000 is lower than the UK average, but the specific timing of local crime is a major concern. Burglary and vehicle crime relative intensity peak significantly at night, together accounting for over half of all incidents between 12am and 6am. Traditional security systems are often reactive; they provide footage of a crime after it has occurred. For real protection in Headcorn, a proactive approach is essential. The scOS AI-powered operating system is designed to stop crime before it happens. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries and can detect suspicious activity in real-time. Whether it's an intruder in your garden or someone near your vehicle, scOS can engage autonomous responses like lighting and audio warnings to deter them immediately. This destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on, especially during the night when Headcorn properties are most vulnerable. For residents, scOS provides the confidence that their home is being actively protected, helping to maintain the area's strong downward trend in crime. Choosing proactive AI detection means you are preventing a burglary rather than just watching it back later.