Lenham and Harrietsham Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For residents of Lenham and Harrietsham, the crime rate in October 2023 (3.8 per 1,000) translates to a 1 in 261 chance of being involved in a reported crime over the course of the month. This rate is 52.5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, a disparity that reflects the area’s relative safety compared to larger urban centres. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (53.9% of total incidents), followed by public order (11.5%) and criminal damage and arson (11.5%). These figures may be influenced by the area’s character as a built-up district within Maidstone, where community cohesion and lower population density could contribute to lower rates of violent crime. Seasonal factors, such as the transition to shorter evenings and the approach of Halloween, likely played a role in shaping the month’s crime profile. For instance, the higher incidence of criminal damage and arson could be linked to increased outdoor activity during the darker autumn nights, while the drop in shoplifting may indicate reduced foot traffic or heightened vigilance in retail areas. The overall crime rate, though low, remains a reminder that even in relatively safe areas, vigilance and community engagement are essential for maintaining security.

October 2023 saw a dramatic 200% increase in criminal damage and arson, rising from one to three incidents. This surge, though still low in absolute terms, may be linked to seasonal factors such as Halloween and the darker evenings typical of the month. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 87.5%, a stark contrast to the previous month’s eight incidents. This decline could reflect heightened awareness during the October period or changes in retail activity. Violent crimes, which accounted for 53.9% of all reported incidents, remained 22% below the UK average (2.7 per 1,000), a trend consistent with the area’s lower population density and fewer opportunities for violent encounters in public spaces. Meanwhile, public order offences rose by 50%, from two to three incidents, a shift that may be tied to local events or increased foot traffic during the month. These fluctuations, while not indicative of long-term trends, highlight the dynamic nature of crime in a built-up area with seasonal rhythms.

For residents of Lenham and Harrietsham, the crime rate in October 2023 (3.8 per 1,000) represents an 18.6% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 4.7 per 1,000. This drop suggests a temporary shift in criminal activity, possibly influenced by seasonal factors such as shorter evenings and the transition from autumn to winter. On a daily basis, the area saw roughly one reported crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that, while low, reflects the local context of a built-up area within Maidstone. When scaled to the population of 6,776, the monthly exposure translates to one crime occurring for every 261 residents—a statistic that, while seemingly small, underscores the importance of vigilance in shared spaces. The comparison to the UK average (8.0 per 1,000) highlights the area’s relative safety, but the breakdown reveals that certain categories, such as violence and sexual offences, remain significantly below national norms. This contrast may reflect the community’s characteristics, such as lower population density or fewer high-traffic areas compared to major urban centres.