Cliffe (Medway) Crime Rate

Cliffe (Medway) is a secure and relatively quiet urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 70.6 per 1,000 people. This is well below the UK national average of 91.6, contributing to a high safety score of 83/100. However, data for Jan 2025 to Dec 2025 shows an increasing trend, with crime rising by 17.5% year-over-year. For residents, property crime is a key focus, with an overall rate of 21.4 per 1,000 people. While this is lower than the UK average of 32.2, the burglary rate in Cliffe is notable at 7.4 per 1,000 people. This suggests that while the area is generally safe, homeowners should take proactive steps to secure their properties against opportunistic theft.

In Cliffe, violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes, accounting for 76 incidents (37.8% of total crime). Anti-social behaviour (15.9%) and burglary (10.4%) follow. For residents, property crime is a significant consideration, with an overall rate of 21.4 per 1,000 people—lower than the UK average of 32.2. However, the burglary rate of 7.4 per 1,000 is notably high for the area, with 21 reported incidents. When combined with vehicle crime (6.0%) and criminal damage (8.5%), it is clear that protecting homes and property is a primary security concern for Cliffe residents, despite the area's overall high safety score.

The crime trend in Cliffe is currently increasing, with a 17.5% rise in total offences over the last year. Monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates fluctuated, with a significant peak in July at 8.4 per 1,000 people and a low of 3.2 in September. The year began at 7.7 in January and ended at 4.6 in December. This 17.5% increase is a notable shift for the area, suggesting that residents should be more proactive about their personal and home security. While the overall safety score remains high, the upward trend and the high monthly figures in the summer and autumn months indicate that crime prevention is becoming an increasingly important topic for the Cliffe community.

How To Keep Safe in Cliffe (Medway)

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Cliffe, followed by anti-social behaviour and burglary. To stay safe in this village, consider these localized tips. Firstly, given that burglary is a significant local concern, ensure your home is always locked and consider installing a proactive security system that monitors your property boundaries. Secondly, burglaries in Cliffe peak in the afternoon (48%) and night (45%); ensure your home appears occupied during the day and is well-secured at night. Thirdly, for vehicle owners, 25% of night-time crime is vehicle-related; always park in well-lit areas and ensure no valuables are left in your car. Finally, engage with your neighbours and local community groups to stay informed about any unusual activity. Reporting minor incidents of anti-social behaviour helps local authorities maintain the area's high safety standards and address the recent increase in crime. Stay informed through Kent Police updates for specific local advice.

Crime in Cliffe follows a very distinct temporal pattern, particularly regarding property crime. Morning hours (6am - 12pm) see burglary accounting for 32% of reported incidents. This trend intensifies dramatically in the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), where burglary peaks at 48% of all crime. During the evening (6pm - 12am), 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, become more prominent at 47%, though burglary remains high at 37%. Overnight (12am - 6am), burglary continues to be the primary concern at 45% of incidents, followed by vehicle crime at 25%. These patterns suggest that burglary is a significant and persistent issue throughout the day and night in Cliffe, making robust, 24/7 home security an absolute priority for residents. Daytime vigilance is just as important as night-time security in this area.

Cliffe is part of a cluster of rural and semi-rural settlements in the Medway area. Its crime rate of 70.6 per 1,000 is higher than that of its immediate neighbour Cliffe Woods (32.8) and nearby High Halstow (49.1). However, it remains safer than Chattenden (84.4) and the larger urban centres of Rochester. For those considering the region, Cliffe offers a peaceful village lifestyle, but the recent 17.5% increase in crime suggests that residents are increasingly focusing on home security compared to those in the more stable neighbouring villages.

In Cliffe, where the burglary rate (7.4 per 1,000) is a significant part of the local crime profile, traditional security measures are often not enough. Standard CCTV systems are reactive; they record a crime after it has occurred, which does little to prevent the initial break-in. To truly protect your home, you need a proactive system like scOS (Security Operating System). scOS uses AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries in real-time. It can identify suspicious activity or unauthorized vehicles before an intruder even reaches your door. If a threat is detected, scOS can trigger autonomous responses—such as activating security lights or audible alerts—to deter criminals instantly. In an area where burglary peaks in the afternoon and night, scOS's 24/7 monitoring and real-time alerts are vital. A visible scOS installation signals to opportunistic thieves that your property is an intelligent, hard target, ensuring they move on. By choosing proactive protection, you take control of your home's safety and help keep your property out of the local crime statistics.