Staplehurst Crime Rate

Staplehurst is a safe and well-regarded residential village with an overall crime rate of 76.7 per 1,000 people per year. This is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6, contributing to its high safety score of 84/100 (national average is 79). The area's crime trend is currently stable, with a minor 1.3% decrease year-over-year, indicating a consistent safety landscape. As a key village in Kent with its own railway station and local amenities, the crime profile is influenced by both residential and transit activity. This report provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, monthly trends, and temporal patterns from January to December 2025, offering homeowners and prospective residents a clear picture of the local safety environment in Staplehurst.

In Staplehurst, the most frequent crime type is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 31.6% of all reports (24.3 per 1,000). This is followed by shoplifting at 20.8% and anti-social behaviour at 19.8%. The high shoplifting rate is a notable feature of the local crime profile. Property crime, including burglary, vehicle crime, shoplifting, and various thefts, has an overall rate of 31.4 per 1,000 residents. Within this category, shoplifting is the most prevalent, followed by 'other theft' at 5.4% and vehicle crime at 3.3%. Burglary represents 1.8% of total crime. For residents, the data indicates that while personal safety is generally high, property security should focus on preventing shoplifting and opportunistic theft, which are more common in the local commercial areas.

Staplehurst is experiencing a stable crime trend, with a minor 1.3% reduction year-over-year. This stability suggests that the local safety environment is not undergoing major shifts. Monthly data for 2025 shows that the year began with a rate of 7.9 per 1,000 in January, which was the yearly peak. Following this, the crime rate generally declined, reaching its lowest point in November at 3.9. Other high points were recorded in May (7.7) and June (7.4). The year ended with a rate of 5.7 in December. These monthly fluctuations show a typical seasonal pattern, but the overall annual consistency remains the primary takeaway for residents.

How To Keep Safe in Staplehurst

The most common crime in Staplehurst is violence and sexual offences. While the overall risk is lower than in many urban areas, it is always wise to practice general situational awareness. When walking through the village at night, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through less populated paths or park areas. If you are out late, consider letting someone know when you expect to be home or using a personal safety app.

Given the high rate of shoplifting and other theft in the area, residents should be particularly careful with their personal belongings in local shops and commercial centres. Keep bags zipped and close to your body, and be wary of distractions. For property owners, the rate of anti-social behaviour suggests that clear property boundaries and motion-activated lighting are effective deterrents. For vehicle safety, always ensure your car is locked and never leave valuables, bags, or electronics in plain sight. Opportunistic thieves often target vehicles that appear to have easy-to-grab items. Finally, staying active in local community groups or social media safety forums can help you stay informed about any recent spikes in activity or suspicious behaviour in the village, ensuring that Staplehurst remains a safe place to live.

Crime in Staplehurst follows a distinct temporal pattern. Morning and afternoon hours are heavily weighted toward theft-related offences, accounting for 45% and 50% of crimes respectively. This coincides with the village's peak daytime activity and the operation of local shops. As the day moves into the evening and night, the nature of crime shifts toward 'other' offences, which include anti-social behaviour and public order issues, making up a significant 61% of evening reports. Night-time (12am-6am) sees a rise in vehicle crime, which accounts for 29% of all incidents during these hours. Burglary risk is also most prominent at night (15%) and in the afternoon (12%). These trends suggest that while daytime is busier for theft, the night-time hours present a higher specific risk for vehicle owners and residential property security.

In the local context, Staplehurst is significantly safer than the nearby urban centre of Maidstone, which has a much higher crime rate of 108.5 per 1,000. It is also more secure than Headcorn (85.0). However, it has a higher crime rate than neighbouring Marden (59.3). Staplehurst offers a balanced middle-ground for the region—providing more amenities and better transport links than the smallest villages but maintaining a much quieter and safer atmosphere than the main town. This makes it a popular choice for commuters and families seeking a secure village lifestyle.

In Staplehurst, the property crime rate of 31.4 per 1,000 and the high percentage of shoplifting (20.8% of total crime) suggest that security is an important consideration for both homeowners and businesses. Traditional security systems are reactive; they record a crime as it happens. For residents who want to proactively defend their properties, scOS offers an AI-powered operating system that transforms security. By monitoring your property's perimeter in real-time, scOS can identify potential intruders before they reach your house or shop. The system’s autonomous responses—such as activating lighting and audio warnings—are designed to deter intruders instantly, often preventing any damage or entry. This proactive approach is far more effective than simply recording a crime, as it stops the incident entirely. For Staplehurst property owners, scOS provides the technology to ensure your premises remain safe, preventing crime before it happens and offering genuine peace of mind. Choosing a proactive system is the most effective way to manage security in an area where theft-related offences are a key factor.