Broad Oak (Rother) Crime Rate

Broad Oak (Rother) is one of the safest settlements in the South East, characterised by its peaceful atmosphere and very low crime levels. With an overall safety score of 94/100, it significantly outperforms the UK average of 78/100. The area's crime rate of 27.3 per 1,000 residents is remarkably low, standing at less than a third of the national average of 93.1. While there has been a slight 12.8% increase in crime over the past year, Broad Oak remains a highly secure environment for both residents and visitors. This report provides a detailed analysis of local crime statistics, trends, and comparisons to help you understand the safety landscape of this Rother community.

Crime in Broad Oak (Rother)

Broad Oak (Rother) maintains a very low crime profile, with violence and sexual offences being the most reported category at 36.4% of total incidents (9.9 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour accounts for 25.0%, while "other theft" is the third most significant category at 18.2%. Property-related crime, which includes burglary and various forms of theft, has an overall rate of 8.7 per 1,000 people. While the burglary rate specifically is low at 1.2 per 1,000, theft-related offences are more common, making up nearly a fifth of all reports. For residents, this suggests that while the risk of a break-in is statistically minimal, the protection of external property and outbuildings from opportunistic theft should be a priority. The high safety score indicates that most of these incidents are isolated rather than part of a widespread local issue.

Broad Oak (Rother) Crime Trends

Over the last year, Broad Oak has seen a 12.8% increase in total crime. While this is an upward trend, it must be viewed in the context of the area's very low baseline figures. Monthly data shows that the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated between a low of 0.6 in February 2025 and peaks of 3.7 in January and September 2025. This suggests that crime in Broad Oak does not follow a steady increase but rather occurs in small, infrequent bursts. Despite the slight rise in reports, the overall safety score of 94/100 remains stable, indicating that the area has not seen a fundamental change in its status as a highly secure community. Residents should continue to practice standard safety measures while remaining confident in the area's overall security.

How To Keep Safe in Broad Oak (Rother)

The most common crime type in Broad Oak is violence and sexual offences, though the actual number of incidents is very low. Personal safety and community awareness are the best ways to maintain this area's high safety standards.

1. Maintain good visibility around your property by keeping hedges trimmed and installing motion-activated lighting in dark corners.
2. Be mindful of personal safety when walking in more isolated rural areas, especially after dark, and try to stay on well-known paths.
3. Report any suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour to the local police; early reporting helps prevent minor issues from escalating.
4. Secure garden tools and equipment in locked sheds, as "other theft" is one of the more common categories in the area.
5. Get to know your neighbours. A connected community is one of the strongest deterrents against crime in rural settlements like Broad Oak.

Crime Timing in Broad Oak (Rother)

Crime in Broad Oak follows a distinct temporal pattern, largely driven by theft-related offences. Theft is most prevalent during the morning (72%) and afternoon (72%), suggesting that these incidents often occur when residents are away or during business hours. Burglary, while rare, shows a higher percentage of its occurrences during the night (30%) and evening (18%). Other miscellaneous crimes are also more concentrated in the evening and night-time hours, making up over 40% of reports in those periods. This data indicates that while the daytime is more active for general theft, the risk of residential intrusion and other offences increases after dark. Residents are advised to ensure that outbuildings are secured during the day and that home security systems are fully operational overnight.

When compared to other areas in the Rother district, Broad Oak is a standout for safety. Its crime rate of 27.3 per 1,000 residents is much lower than Westfield (68.3) and Northiam (43.2). In fact, it is only surpassed in safety by the very smallest hamlets like Cackle Street and Beckley, which recorded no crimes at all. For those looking for a residential area that offers a high degree of protection while remaining part of a functional community, Broad Oak provides a much safer alternative to larger nearby towns. This makes it a highly desirable location for those prioritising a low-risk lifestyle.

Protecting Your Broad Oak Home

Broad Oak enjoys an exceptionally low property crime rate of 8.7 per 1,000 people, making it one of the most secure places to live in the region. However, even in such safe environments, the 12.8% increase in crime over the last year suggests that homeowners should remain proactive. The primary risk in Broad Oak is opportunistic theft, which often targets outbuildings, gardens, or vehicles that appear unprotected.

Traditional security systems often fail because they are reactive; they record a crime as it happens but do little to stop it. For homeowners in Broad Oak, a proactive AI-powered system like scOS offers a superior solution. By monitoring your property boundaries with intelligent sensors, scOS can detect a potential thief before they even touch your property. The system’s autonomous response—using lights and sound to alert the intruder that they have been spotted—is usually enough to deter them instantly. In a community where security is the norm, having a professional-grade system like scOS ensures your home remains a difficult target, preserving the safety Broad Oak is known for.