Rural Medway Crime Rate

Rural Medway is a secure and peaceful region, characterized by a high safety score of 86/100, which is well above the UK average of 79. The overall crime rate in the area is 58.7 per 1,000 people, significantly lower than the national average of 91.6. This positions Rural Medway as a very safe place to live and work. Furthermore, the crime trend is moving in a positive direction, with a 14.7% decrease in reported offences over the past year. While property crime rates are also lower than the UK average, vehicle crime and shoplifting remain notable within the local context. The following analysis, based on data from January 2025 to December 2025, provides a detailed look at the types of crime occurring and the patterns of when they happen.

Crime Breakdown in Rural Medway

In Rural Medway, the most frequently reported crime is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 35.3% of all incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 15.9% and criminal damage and arson at 11.6%. These three categories represent the majority of police activity, reflecting a common pattern in suburban and rural areas where social and behavioural issues are more prominent than organised property theft.

Property crime in Rural Medway, including burglary, theft, and vehicle crime, occurs at a rate of 21.7 per 1,000 people. This is notably lower than the UK average of 32.2. Within this category, shoplifting and vehicle crime are the most common concerns, both occurring at a rate of 4.0 per 1,000. Burglary is relatively rare, standing at 2.4 per 1,000. For residents, the data suggests that while the risk of a major home break-in is low, there is a persistent level of opportunistic theft and vehicle-related crime. Homeowners should focus on securing their vehicles and maintaining a visible security presence to deter these more common types of property crime.

Crime Trends in Rural Medway

The crime trend in Rural Medway is currently on a very positive downward trajectory, with a significant 14.7% decrease in total offences compared to the previous year. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 reveals a relatively stable pattern of activity throughout the year, with some seasonal fluctuations.

The year began with a crime rate of 3.5 per 1,000 in January, which remained fairly consistent through the spring. Crime rates saw a steady increase through the early summer, reaching the year's peak in July at 6.8 per 1,000. Following this peak, the rates saw a slight decrease but remained relatively steady for the remainder of the year, finishing at 5.0 in December. This overall reduction in crime is a reassuring sign for the community, indicating that despite seasonal peaks in the summer, the general trend is towards a safer environment. For residents, this downward year-over-year trend highlights the effectiveness of local safety measures and the importance of continued community vigilance.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Medway

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Rural Medway. While this is a broad category, personal safety should always be a priority. Here are some practical safety tips for residents:

• Vehicle Security is Key: Given that vehicle crime accounts for 44% of night-time incidents, always ensure your car is locked and parked in a well-lit area or a secure garage. Never leave valuables on display.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings: When walking in more isolated rural areas, especially after dark, stay on well-lit paths and avoid using headphones, which can reduce your awareness of what is happening around you.
• Secure Your Home Perimeter: With burglary and criminal damage being notable concerns, ensure all doors and windows are locked before bed and that motion-activated lighting is installed around all entry points.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Reporting unusual behaviour or anti-social behaviour to the local authorities helps the police identify patterns and allocate resources effectively to prevent more serious crimes.
• Engage with Local Safety Groups: Joining a Neighbourhood Watch or local community safety group can provide real-time updates on any suspicious activity in the area, helping the entire community stay informed and alert.

Crime Timing in Rural Medway

The timing of criminal activity in Rural Medway shows distinct shifts in the types of offences throughout the day. During the morning and afternoon, theft and shoplifting are significant factors, accounting for 37% and 43% of reported incidents respectively. This indicates that opportunistic theft is most likely to occur during daylight hours when there is more movement in the area and local businesses are open.

As evening approaches and turns into night, the nature of crime changes significantly. The evening period (6pm - 12am) is dominated by 'other' crime types, which make up 51% of all reports. However, the most critical window for residents is between 12am and 6am, when vehicle crime reaches its highest intensity, representing a staggering 44% of all incidents in that timeframe. Burglary also remains a consistent threat during the night, accounting for 15% of reports. This night-time peak in vehicle and property-related crime underscores the importance of robust overnight security measures for all Rural Medway residents.

Rural Medway compares very favourably to the wider UK average and provides a safe residential environment within the Medway local authority. While it may have slightly higher crime activity than some of the exceptionally low-rate villages like Grain (40.9) or High Halstow (49.1), it is significantly safer than the more urbanised parts of the region. For those considering a move to the area, Rural Medway offers a robust safety profile with a clear downward trend in criminal activity. Its combination of lower-than-average crime rates and a high safety score makes it a highly desirable location for those seeking a more tranquil and secure lifestyle away from major urban centres.

Protecting Your Rural Medway Property

Rural Medway has a property crime rate of 21.7 per 1,000, which is comfortably below the national average. However, vehicle crime is a specific concern in the area, particularly during the night when it accounts for 44% of all incidents. Traditional security systems, such as basic alarms or DIY cameras, are often reactive—they notify you only after an incident has occurred, providing footage of the event but doing little to stop it.

For homeowners who want to prevent crime rather than just record it, scOS offers a proactive alternative. This AI-powered home security operating system uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries in real-time. scOS can distinguish between a family member and a potential threat, such as an intruder or a suspicious vehicle. If an unauthorised person enters your property, the system can autonomously respond by activating lights or speakers, effectively deterring the offender before they can cause damage or attempt a break-in. In Rural Medway, where vehicle crime is more prevalent at night, the proactive deterrence of scOS provides a level of security that traditional systems simply cannot match, ensuring your home and vehicles are protected around the clock.