Lenham and Harrietsham Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

September 2024 saw Lenham and Harrietsham maintain a crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 residents, 31.2% below the UK average of 7.7. This built-up area within Maidstone has consistently lower crime rates than national benchmarks. The top crime types were shoplifting (33.3% of all crimes), violence and sexual offences (22.2%), and criminal damage and arson (16.7%). Shoplifting remains a significant concern, with rates 165% above the UK average, likely linked to retail activity in the area. The drop in violence and sexual offences (-61.9% from August) may reflect the transition from summer to autumn, with fewer late-night gatherings. However, the sharp rise in criminal damage and arson—up 500% from August—raises new concerns. This spike could be tied to seasonal transitions, with university freshers returning in September and increased activity in public spaces. The area's lower overall crime rate compared to the UK suggests effective local policing or community initiatives, but the jump in property-related crimes deserves closer attention. As nights draw in, residents may need to remain vigilant, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or visible retail presence.

September 2024 marked a sharp increase in criminal damage and arson, rising from 1 to 6 incidents—a 500% surge. This spike, coupled with a 200% rise in burglary (from 1 to 3), signals growing risks to property. Public order offences also doubled, with one reported incident, though this remains below the UK average. The drop in violence and sexual offences—down 61.9% from August—contrasts with the rise in property crimes, reflecting a shift in crime mix. Shoplifting remained the most common crime, with 12 incidents (33.3% of total), far exceeding the UK average of 0.7 per 1,000 residents (165% above). Residents should be particularly cautious in retail areas, where shoplifting rates are significantly higher than national levels. Burglary rates, while still low (0.4 per 1,000), are 29% above the UK average, suggesting targeted vulnerabilities in homes. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences, though lower than UK averages, may indicate tensions in community spaces as seasonal changes affect local activity patterns.

Lenham and Harrietsham's crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 residents in September 2024 represents a 10% decrease from August's 5.9, indicating a slight overall decline. However, the sharp rise in specific crime types—particularly criminal damage and arson—undermines this trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly 1 crime per day, a figure that, while low, highlights the need for vigilance. Over the course of the month, 1 reported crime occurred for every 188 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than many comparable areas. This statistic suggests that the population's risk of experiencing crime is relatively low, though the concentrated nature of certain offences may skew perceptions. The area's population of 6,776 means that localised spikes in specific crime types can have disproportionate impacts. While the overall rate remains well below the UK average, the 165% excess in shoplifting and the 61% excess in criminal damage and arson indicate vulnerabilities in retail and property security. These figures should be contextualised within the area's character as a built-up part of Maidstone, where retail activity and seasonal transitions may influence crime patterns differently than in larger urban centres.