Lenham and Harrietsham Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 6,776 residents, 38 crimes were recorded in Lenham and Harrietsham during November 2023, translating to a crime rate of 5.6 per 1,000 residents. This figure places the area 25.3% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, reflecting a relatively low crime environment compared to the national context. The breakdown of crimes reveals that violence and sexual offences accounted for 36.8% of the total (14 incidents), followed by shoplifting (21.1%) and criminal damage and arson (18.4%). These patterns align with seasonal factors, such as the impact of dark evenings and events like Bonfire Night, which may contribute to increased incidents of criminal damage. Meanwhile, the area’s violent crime rate is 19% below the UK average, suggesting a lower prevalence of violence than in many other regions. Shoplifting, however, stands out as a category where the area significantly exceeds the UK average, with its rate 118% higher than the national figure. This contrast highlights the influence of local dynamics, such as retail activity and the timing of Black Friday shopping, which may drive such spikes in non-violent crime. The overall crime profile illustrates a balance between community safety and the pressures of seasonal events, with the built-up area’s relatively low rate offering a reassuring context for residents.

November 2023 saw dramatic month-on-month changes in specific crime categories. Shoplifting increased by 700%, rising from one incident in October to eight in November, a surge that far outpaces the UK average for this category. Criminal damage and arson also rose sharply, with a 133.3% increase from three to seven incidents, aligning with seasonal factors like Bonfire Night. Meanwhile, vehicle crime fell by 50%, dropping from two to one incident, possibly reflecting reduced traffic or altered parking habits during the month. The area’s violent crime rate of 2.1 per 1,000 residents (36.8% of total crimes) is 19% below the UK average, while shoplifting’s 1.2 per 1,000 rate is 118% above the UK figure, illustrating stark contrasts in local crime trends. These shifts underscore how specific events and seasonal rhythms can amplify or dampen certain types of crime in a small built-up area.

In November 2023, Lenham and Harrietsham recorded 38 total crimes, marking a 46.1% increase from the previous month’s rate of 3.8 per 1,000 residents. This translates to roughly one reported crime per day over the 30-day period, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 178 residents, a ratio that highlights the relatively low frequency of crime in this built-up area. When compared to the UK average, the area’s crime rate of 5.6 per 1,000 residents places it 25.3% below the national figure, suggesting a safer environment than the broader UK context. This population-scaled perspective reinforces that while the area is not immune to crime, the volume of incidents remains proportionally lower than in many other regions. The shift from October to November also reflects seasonal dynamics, such as the impact of dark evenings and events like Bonfire Night, which may influence crime patterns in smaller communities.