Lenham and Harrietsham Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Lenham and Harrietsham’s crime rate of 4.0 per 1,000 residents in February 2026 places the area 37.5% below the UK average of 6.4, reflecting a consistently lower crime profile than the national picture. This built-up area within Maidstone, likely characterised by a mix of residential and rural landscapes, saw violence and sexual offences account for 33.3% of all crimes, followed by shoplifting (22.2%) and vehicle crime (11.1%). The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may contribute to the subdued overall crime rate, though retail theft remains a notable concern. Violence and sexual offences in the area are 44% below the UK average, suggesting lower levels of interpersonal conflict or effective local interventions. However, shoplifting stands out as 55% above the UK rate, which could align with the area’s retail presence or specific local factors. Vehicle crime, though modest, is 14% above the UK average, linked to seasonal travel patterns or local infrastructure. The data illustrates a combination of geographic features, seasonal rhythms, and community dynamics, with Lenham and Harrietsham maintaining a safer profile than many comparable areas.

February 2026 saw stark shifts in crime patterns, with other theft jumping 200% (from 1 to 3 incidents) and bicycle theft doubling (from 0 to 1). These increases may reflect seasonal shifts, such as more frequent outdoor activities as temperatures rise, or targeted thefts around specific locations like local shops or transport hubs. Conversely, criminal damage and arson plummeted 75% (from 4 to 1), burglary fell 66.7% (from 3 to 1), and anti-social behaviour dropped similarly, possibly due to reduced public gatherings in colder weather or community initiatives. The crime mix shifted slightly towards property crimes, which now account for 55.6% of total incidents (15 out of 27), compared to 33.3% for violent crimes. Shoplifting’s 55% above-UK-average rate (0.9 vs 0.6 per 1,000) contrasts sharply with burglary’s 20% below-average rate (0.2 vs 0.2 per 1,000), highlighting divergent trends in retail and residential crime. For residents, the sharp rise in bicycle theft—now 400% above the UK average—suggests a need for increased awareness of securing personal property in local areas.

Compared to the previous month, Lenham and Harrietsham’s crime rate fell 23.0% from 5.2 to 4.0 per 1,000 residents, marking a clear downward trend. Over the course of February, the area experienced approximately 1 crime per day, a figure that translates to roughly 1 reported crime for every 251 residents over the month. This monthly exposure rate, while low, underscores the area’s relative safety compared to UK averages. With a population of 6,776, the 27 recorded crimes equate to a manageable burden for local services, though targeted issues like shoplifting and bicycle theft remain areas of focus. The drop in burglary and anti-social behaviour may reflect seasonal factors, such as reduced foot traffic during colder weather or community efforts to deter crime. The UK average crime rate of 6.4 per 1,000 highlights Lenham and Harrietsham’s position as a safer area, particularly given its lower rates of violent crime and burglary. However, the sharp rise in bicycle theft—400% above the UK average—suggests a need for tailored measures, such as improved lighting in key areas or community education on securing bikes.