Lenham and Harrietsham Crime Rate June 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In June 2023, Lenham and Harrietsham maintained a crime rate of 4.4 per 1,000 residents, a figure that is 48.2% below the UK average of 8.5 per 1,000. This performance places the area firmly in the lower end of the national spectrum, though the month's data reveals a nuanced picture. The top crime types—violence and sexual offences (11 incidents), shoplifting (4), and criminal damage and arson (4)—illustrate a mix of concerns, with property-related crimes (shoplifting and criminal damage) accounting for 26.6% of total incidents. Violent crimes, while lower in absolute numbers, remain a significant portion of the total, suggesting that community safety remains a priority. Seasonally, June marks the beginning of summer, a period when tourism may begin to influence local activity, particularly in the built-up area's retail and recreational spaces. This could partially explain the rise in shoplifting and public order offences, which may be linked to increased foot traffic or seasonal events. However, the area's overall low crime rate, combined with the absence of major urban pressures, indicates that Lenham and Harrietsham's relatively safe environment is likely supported by its smaller scale and lower levels of socioeconomic complexity. The contrast between the UK average and the local rate highlights the effectiveness of local policing or community initiatives, though further analysis would be needed to confirm such connections. The data also shows that anti-social behaviour and burglary, while not major contributors to the overall rate, saw significant increases from May, reflecting temporary changes in local dynamics or reporting patterns. These trends warrant continued attention to ensure that the area's low crime profile is sustained.

June 2023 witnessed a 100% increase in anti-social behaviour, burglary, and shoplifting compared to May, indicating a notable shift in criminal activity. The balance between property and violent crimes remained skewed, with property crimes accounting for 50% of reported incidents (15 out of 30) and violent crimes making up 36.7% (11 out of 30). This mix suggests that while violence remains a concern, property-related offences are driving the overall crime picture. Shoplifting, which rose to 13.3% of total crimes, is 11% above the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000, a figure that may reflect the presence of retail areas in the built-up district. Conversely, drugs offences fell by 50% to one incident, and other thefts decreased by 33.3%, indicating a temporary reduction in opportunistic crimes. These fluctuations highlight the need for ongoing analysis of local factors influencing crime trends.

Lenham and Harrietsham's crime rate in June 2023 rose by 36.3% compared to May's 3.3 per 1,000, marking a shift in local crime dynamics. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of one crime per day, a figure that reflects the relatively low density of incidents compared to larger urban centres. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 226 residents, a statistic that contextualises the monthly exposure for local residents. This rate is significantly lower than the UK average, which stands at 8.5 per 1,000, but the increase from the previous month suggests a need for vigilance. The population of 6,776 means that even a small number of incidents can feel impactful in a tightly knit community. While the daily figure may seem modest, the concentration of certain crime types—particularly anti-social behaviour and shoplifting—could indicate emerging patterns worth monitoring.