Rural Medway Crime Rate

Rural Medway is a safe and secure region with an overall crime rate of 58.0 per 1,000 people per year. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7, contributing to a high safety score of 86/100. Data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that crime in Rural Medway has decreased by 15.5% year-over-year, indicating a positive trend for local residents. The property crime rate is 20.7 per 1,000 residents, which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle crime. While violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, the overall low volume of crime makes Rural Medway an attractive and safe place to live. This analysis provides a detailed look at local statistics to help residents understand their safety environment.

In Rural Medway, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, representing 38.6% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 14.9% and criminal damage and arson at 11.7%. For residents, property-related crime is a significant factor, with an overall rate of 20.7 per 1,000 people per year. This includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various types of theft. Vehicle crime accounts for 6.7% of total crimes, while shoplifting makes up 6.3%. The presence of criminal damage and vehicle crime suggests that property owners should be particularly vigilant about securing their homes and cars. Overall, while the area is safe, the variety of property-related offences highlights the need for consistent security measures to protect local assets.

Between December 2024 and November 2025, Rural Medway experienced a 15.5% decrease in total crime compared to the previous year. The monthly data shows that crime was highest in July 2025 (6.8 per 1,000) and lowest in January 2025 (3.5 per 1,000). The latter half of the year generally saw slightly higher crime rates than the first half. Despite these monthly variations, the overall downward trend is a positive sign for the area's long-term safety. Continued focus on community safety and home security will be important to maintain this progress.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Medway

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Rural Medway, accounting for 38.6% of reports. Maintaining your safety involves staying vigilant and taking proactive steps.

1. When out at night, stick to well-lit areas and try to walk with others whenever possible, especially in more isolated rural spots.
2. Ensure your property is secure by locking all doors, windows, and outbuildings, even when you are at home, to prevent unauthorised entry.
3. Be mindful of your vehicle's security; always lock it and avoid leaving any valuables on display, as vehicle crime is a notable local issue.
4. Consider installing motion-activated outdoor lighting to improve visibility around your home and discourage suspicious activity near your property.
5. Engage with local community groups or a Neighbourhood Watch scheme to stay informed about any local safety issues and share information with neighbours.

Crime timing in Rural Medway follows specific trends. Theft and shoplifting are most frequent during the day, with 35% occurring in the morning and 41% in the afternoon. Burglary is more evenly spread but peaks slightly in the afternoon (19%) and night (17%). Vehicle crime shows a very strong peak at night (40%), suggesting that thieves target parked cars under the cover of darkness. 'Other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, are most common in the evening (54%). These patterns indicate that while daytime requires vigilance for theft, the night hours carry a much higher risk for vehicle-related crime. Understanding these cycles can help residents better secure their properties and personal safety.

Rural Medway's crime rate of 58.0 per 1,000 people places it as one of the safer regions within the broader Medway district. While specific nearby areas were not listed for direct comparison, this rate is generally much lower than those found in more densely populated urban settlements. For residents and those considering a move to the area, Rural Medway offers a statistically safer environment with a lower risk of both personal and property-related crime. This regional context highlights the benefits of living in a less urbanised area where community safety is high and crime rates are consistently below the national average.

Rural Medway's property crime rate of 20.7 per 1,000 residents, particularly the prevalence of vehicle crime, underscores the need for effective home security. Traditional security measures, like standard CCTV, are often reactive—they only provide evidence after a crime has been committed. scOS offers a proactive alternative by using AI-powered intelligence to detect potential threats at your property's boundary. By monitoring all cameras simultaneously, scOS can identify suspicious activity and intervene before a break-in or vehicle theft occurs. Its autonomous responses, such as activating lights or voice alerts, are designed to deter intruders in real-time. In a rural setting where properties may be more isolated, having a system that actively prevents crime is far more effective than one that just records it. A professional-grade system like scOS provides a high level of deterrence, making it clear to potential criminals that your home is well-protected. Investing in proactive prevention ensures your property remains safe and secure 24/7.