Staplehurst Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Staplehurst's crime rate in December 2025 stood at 5.7 per 1,000, placing it 18.6% below the UK average of 7.0 per 1,000. This figure reflects a marked contrast to the national profile, with the area's crime profile shaped by distinct patterns in specific categories. Violence and sexual offences emerged as the most significant category, accounting for 42.1% of total incidents (16 cases), a rate of 2.4 per 1,000—7% below the UK average. This anomaly may be influenced by local dynamics, such as the built-up nature of the area within Maidstone, which could see higher concentrations of social interactions during the holiday season. Anti-social behaviour followed as the second most common category (8 incidents, 21.1% of total), with a rate of 1.2 per 1,000—29% above the UK average. This discrepancy could be linked to the area's characteristics, such as the presence of community spaces or public areas that may be more prone to such incidents during the festive period. Seasonal factors are likely to have played a role in shaping these trends, with December's dark evenings and increased foot traffic during the Christmas shopping period contributing to the rise in violence and anti-social behaviour. Meanwhile, shoplifting (4 incidents, 10.5% of total) and other theft (3 incidents, 7.9% of total) were reported at rates close to or slightly above the UK average, suggesting that retail areas or high-traffic zones may be particularly vulnerable. The data also highlights a stark contrast in property crimes, with vehicle crime falling by 50% from 2 to 1, due to seasonal factors such as reduced car usage or increased parking security during the holidays. This mixed picture illustrates the complexity of crime patterns in Staplehurst, where local geography and seasonal rhythms interact to create unique trends that diverge from the national average.

Violence and sexual offences surged by 128.6% in December 2025, rising from 7 to 16 incidents. This dramatic increase, which outpaces the UK average by 7%, may be linked to seasonal factors such as increased social gatherings and reduced visibility during darker evenings. Other theft, which had previously been absent, rose by 100% to 3 incidents, suggesting a shift in criminal activity patterns. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 50% from 2 to 1, possibly due to fewer cars on the road during the holiday season or increased security measures. The category of 'possession of weapons' also saw a 100% increase, with one incident reported—this rate is 186% above the UK average, highlighting a specific concern for local safety. The breakdown shows a significant shift in crime mix, with violent crimes now accounting for 42.1% of total incidents, compared to 21.1% for anti-social behaviour, which remains 29% above the UK average. These changes underscore the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas during peak holiday periods.

Staplehurst's crime rate in December 2025 rose 46.3% from the previous month's 3.9 per 1,000 to 5.7 per 1,000, reflecting a notable upward shift. Over the course of December, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 177 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for local residents. Daily crime counts averaged 1 incident per day across 31 days, a metric that highlights the frequency of incidents in a condensed timeframe. When compared to the UK average of 7.0 per 1,000, Staplehurst remains 18.6% below, suggesting a relative safety profile despite the month-on-month increase. This population-scaled perspective illustrates that while the local rate has risen, it still lags behind national benchmarks, potentially influenced by the area's character as a built-up district within Maidstone with lower population density than major urban centres. The shift in crime patterns may be partially explained by seasonal factors, such as increased foot traffic during the Christmas shopping period and the impact of extended evenings on visibility and security.