Staplehurst Crime Rate

Staplehurst offers a secure living environment, reflected in its safety score of 84/100, which is higher than the UK average of 79. The overall crime rate in the area is 76.2 per 1,000 residents, a figure that compares favourably with the national average of 91.7. Crime trends in Staplehurst have remained stable, with a slight decrease of 4.7% year-over-year. While the area does have a significant volume of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, its overall profile is that of a safe Kentish village. The data, spanning December 2024 to November 2025, shows a community that is consistently safer than larger urban centres, providing residents with a high degree of confidence in their local security.

Crime Breakdown in Staplehurst

Staplehurst's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 30.3% of all reports (23.1 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is also a significant factor, representing 20.5% of local crime, followed closely by shoplifting at 20.1%. These three categories together make up over 70% of all criminal activity in the area, highlighting clear priorities for local law enforcement.

Property crime in Staplehurst, including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, occurs at a rate of 32.2 per 1,000 people. This is almost exactly in line with the UK average of 32.3. While burglary itself is relatively low at 1.9% of total crime, the high volume of shoplifting and 'other theft' indicates that property-related offences are a daily reality for residents and business owners. Vehicle crime is also a notable concern, particularly during the night-time hours when its relative frequency increases nearly tenfold compared to the afternoon.

Crime Trends in Staplehurst

Staplehurst is currently seeing a stable crime environment, with a modest 4.7% decrease in total reported incidents year-over-year. This stability is a positive sign for the community, suggesting that crime levels are being effectively managed.

Analysis of the monthly trend data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows some seasonal variation. The year began with a peak of 7.9 crimes per 1,000 in January 2025, but this quickly subsided. Throughout the spring and summer, the rate fluctuated between 6.1 and 7.7 per 1,000. Significantly, the final months of the period have shown a downward trend, with the rate dropping to 5.2 in October and a year-low of 3.9 in November 2025. This recent decline is encouraging and suggests that Staplehurst is entering the next year with a strengthening safety profile. For residents, this trend reinforces the area's reputation as a secure and well-maintained village.

How To Keep Safe in Staplehurst

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Staplehurst, alongside significant levels of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. Residents should stay informed and take practical steps to maintain their safety.

To stay safe in Staplehurst, consider these recommendations:

1. Be vigilant in retail areas, as the high shoplifting rate indicates that opportunistic thieves are active in these locations.
2. Secure your home and vehicles particularly well in the afternoon and late at night, as these are the peak times for burglary and vehicle-related offences.
3. If you witness anti-social behaviour, which accounts for over 20% of local crime, report it to the local authorities to help them identify and manage hotspots.
4. Ensure all vehicles are locked and valuables are removed, especially overnight when vehicle crime accounts for 35% of all reported incidents.
5. Consider installing motion-activated lighting around your property to deter unwanted activity during the evening and night-time hours.

Crime in Staplehurst follows a distinct daily rhythm. Morning and afternoon hours are heavily weighted toward theft-related offences, which account for 41% and 47% of incidents respectively. This is likely linked to the area's retail activity and commuting patterns. As the day turns to evening, the profile shifts toward 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order, which make up 62% of reports between 6pm and midnight. The night-time period (12am-6am) presents a different set of risks; while overall volume is lower, vehicle crime surges to account for 35% of all incidents, and burglary relative intensity also peaks at 13%. This suggests that property and vehicle security are most vulnerable under the cover of darkness.

In the local context, Staplehurst sits in the middle of the safety spectrum. Its crime rate of 76.2 per 1,000 is lower than Headcorn (85.2) but higher than Marden (57.5). Compared to the very quiet rural areas of Frittenden and Cranbrook Common, which recorded no crime, Staplehurst is more active. However, it remains a much safer alternative to the larger urban environment of Maidstone. For those looking for a well-connected village with a manageable crime rate, Staplehurst provides a balanced safety profile that is typical of the larger settlements in the Maidstone local authority area.

Staplehurst's property crime rate of 32.2 per 1,000 is almost identical to the national average, making property protection a key consideration for homeowners. The high prevalence of shoplifting and 'other theft' in the area suggests that opportunistic criminals are active, and they may turn their attention to residential properties if they appear vulnerable. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV, are reactive; they provide evidence after a crime has been committed. For real protection, a proactive approach is required. The scOS AI-powered operating system is designed to prevent crime by detecting threats at the property boundary. Using multi-camera intelligence, scOS can distinguish between normal activity and potential intruders. If someone is loitering near your home or vehicle—which is a particular concern at night when vehicle crime surges—scOS can trigger autonomous responses like lighting and audio warnings. This destroys the element of surprise and often causes criminals to move on before any damage is done. For Staplehurst residents, scOS offers a sophisticated way to stay ahead of local crime trends, ensuring their home remains a safe haven in a busy village.