Lenham and Harrietsham Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For an area of 6,776 residents, 60 crimes were reported in November 2024, equating to 8.9 crimes per 1,000 people. This rate is 17.1% above the UK average of 7.6, highlighting a notable disparity in local crime trends. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (40% of total), shoplifting (16.7%), and anti-social behaviour (15%). These figures align with seasonal patterns: November’s darker evenings, Bonfire Night, and Black Friday shopping may have contributed to increased incidents. Violence and sexual offences, at 3.5 per 1,000, are 36% above the UK average, possibly reflecting heightened social interactions in local venues. Shoplifting’s surge to 1.5 per 1,000—117% above the UK rate—may be linked to retail foot traffic during late November sales. Anti-social behaviour, though 17% above the UK average, could be tied to community tensions exacerbated by seasonal gatherings. While property crimes (21) and violent crimes (24) are balanced, the dominance of violent offences suggests a need for targeted interventions. The area’s built-up character within Maidstone, with a mix of residential and commercial zones, likely influences these patterns, though further analysis would be required to confirm direct correlations.

November 2024 saw sharp increases in specific crime categories. Other crime rose by 200% (from 1 to 3 incidents), a jump that may reflect unclassified or emerging issues in local policing. Criminal damage and arson doubled (3 to 6), potentially linked to Bonfire Night activities or vandalism during darker evenings. Drugs-related crimes also doubled (0 to 1), though this small increase requires contextual examination. Conversely, shoplifting decreased by 9.1% (from 11 to 10), due to enhanced retail security measures or lower foot traffic compared to previous months. Violence and sexual offences remained high, at 3.5 per 1,000 (36% above UK average), while shoplifting’s rate (1.5 per 1,000) was 117% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour (1.3 per 1,000) and criminal damage (0.9 per 1,000) were both above UK levels, whereas other theft (0.4 per 1,000) and public order offences (0.3 per 1,000) fell below national averages. These shifts suggest a combination of seasonal events and local enforcement efforts, with certain areas of the crime profile warranting closer scrutiny.

The crime rate in Lenham and Harrietsham rose sharply from 5.3 per 1,000 in October to 8.9 per 1,000 in November, a 66.7% increase. This surge translates to roughly 2 crimes per day, or one reported incident for every 113 residents over the course of the month. While the area’s population of 6,776 means the absolute number of crimes (60) is relatively modest, the rate’s divergence from the UK average underscores the need for localized analysis. The daily crime count provides a tangible metric for residents: if current trends persist, the area could see 60 crimes in the next 30 days. The monthly exposure figure—1 in 113 residents—offers a snapshot of risk, though it does not account for geographic or demographic variations within the built-up area. Comparing to the UK average, Lenham and Harrietsham’s elevated rate suggests unique local factors, such as its proximity to Maidstone’s commercial hubs or seasonal events, may amplify crime risks. These figures, while concerning, remain context-dependent, requiring further examination of policing strategies and community engagement initiatives.