Lenham and Harrietsham Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

August 2023 marked a continuation of Lenham and Harrietsham’s consistently low crime profile compared to the UK average. The area’s overall crime rate of 3.5 per 1,000 residents—56.8% below the national average of 8.1 per 1,000—reflects a pattern of relative safety that aligns with its character as a small built-up area within Maidstone. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 37.5% of all crimes, a rate of 1.3 per 1,000 that is 51% below the UK average for this category. Shoplifting, at 0.7 per 1,000, emerged as the second most common crime type, though it remained slightly above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.4 per 1,000, was 72% below the national rate, consistent with the area’s likely quiet, community-focused environment. Seasonal factors in August—peak holiday activity and increased tourism—may have contributed to a slight uptick in property crimes, particularly burglary. The area’s crime picture suggests a balance between local retail activity and the seasonal dynamics of a small town, where community policing and lower population density likely contribute to the sustained reduction in crime compared to larger urban centres.

August 2023 saw notable decreases in vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour, with vehicle crime falling by 50.0% (from 4 to 2 incidents) and anti-social behaviour dropping by 25.0% (from 4 to 3). These declines align with the area’s likely low traffic volume and community-focused policing strategies. Conversely, criminal damage and arson, burglary, and drug-related crimes all increased by 100.0% month-on-month, though these remain low in absolute terms. The rise in burglary may be linked to August’s seasonal context—empty homes during holidays and school breaks—though the rate of 0.3 per 1,000 remains 12% below the UK average. Violence and sexual offences, while the most common category, remained 51% below the UK average, suggesting effective local interventions or demographic factors. A resident might note the 50% drop in vehicle crime as a positive sign, reflecting improved community awareness or reduced vehicle presence in public spaces during the summer months.

Compared to July 2023, August 2023 saw a 25.0% decrease in the overall crime rate, falling from 4.7 per 1,000 to 3.5 per 1,000. This decline underscores a sustained trend of lower crime in Lenham and Harrietsham relative to the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 1 crime per day in August, a figure that may seem high in isolation but is contextualised by the area’s small population of 6,776 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 282 residents—a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average. This statistic highlights the area’s relatively safe environment, even as specific categories like burglary and criminal damage show small increases. The population-scaled perspective further illustrates that the low crime rate is not just a function of small numbers but reflects systemic factors such as effective local policing, community cohesion, and the area’s character as a low-density built-up area with limited commercial or nightlife activity, all of which likely contribute to the persistent gap between Lenham and Harrietsham’s crime profile and the UK average.