Longfield, New Ash Green and Hartley Crime Rate

The Longfield, New Ash Green and Hartley urban area is a safe and secure settlement within the Sevenoaks local authority, with crime statistics that compare favourably to the national average. The area has an overall crime rate of 62.9 per 1,000 people, which is notably lower than the UK average of 93.1. This is supported by an impressive safety score of 86/100, well above the national benchmark of 78. However, recent data shows that the crime trend in the area is increasing, showing an 11.4% rise year-over-year. While the area remains secure, this upward movement suggests a need for increased awareness among residents. Despite the recent increase, the overall safety profile of these villages remains very strong compared to national standards.

In the Longfield, New Ash Green and Hartley urban area, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, representing 29.7% of all reported incidents with 318 cases. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent at 23.2%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 10.8%. Property-related crime overall—including burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—maintains a rate of 22.8 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.9, indicating that the area is relatively secure for property owners. However, shoplifting (7.6%) and vehicle crime (7.2%) are notable localized concerns. Burglary accounts for 3.9% of total offences. For homeowners and residents, these statistics mean that while the overall risk is low, opportunistic theft and vehicle-related offences are the primary property security risks that require consistent vigilance.

The crime trend in the area is currently increasing, with an 11.4% rise year-over-year. Monthly data from the past year shows that the crime rate was relatively low in early 2025, with February recording a rate of 3.8 per 1,000. However, the rate began to climb in the spring and reached a significant peak of 8.2 per 1,000 in July 2025. This summer spike is a common pattern, but the overall upward trajectory across the year suggests a general increase in reported incidents. By October 2025, the rate moderated slightly to 5.7 per 1,000. For residents, this trend indicates that while the area remains safer than many others, there is a need for continued vigilance and proactive security measures to counter the rising number of offences.

How To Keep Safe in Longfield, New Ash Green and Hartley

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in the area, so personal safety should be a priority for residents. When walking between the villages after dark, it is advisable to stay in well-lit, busy areas and avoid isolated shortcuts. Letting someone know your expected arrival time can provide extra peace of mind. Anti-social behaviour is also a significant factor locally; reporting any recurring issues to local authorities can help them target their presence effectively. For vehicle owners, the higher rate of vehicle crime during the night means that ensuring cars are locked and parked in well-lit areas is essential. Avoid leaving any valuables on display, as this can attract opportunistic thieves. Since shoplifting and theft are also notable issues, residents should remain vigilant with personal belongings in retail areas. Engaging with neighbours and joining a local neighbourhood watch scheme can further enhance community security through collective vigilance and information sharing.

Crime Timing in Longfield, New Ash Green and Hartley

Crime in the area shows distinct temporal patterns, particularly regarding theft and vehicle-related offences. During the afternoon hours between 12pm and 6pm, theft is the dominant concern, accounting for 37% of incidents in that period. In the evening (6pm-12am), burglary accounts for 16%, while anti-social behaviour and other offences peak at 51%. During the night-time hours between 12am and 6am, the focus shifts significantly toward vehicle crime, which makes up 46% of crimes during this period. Morning hours also see a high percentage of theft (32%) and vehicle crime (22%). These patterns indicate that while property security is important throughout the day, vehicle protection is a critical priority during the night. Understanding these high-activity windows allows residents to be more vigilant and ensure their security measures are most effective.

In the local Sevenoaks region, the Longfield, New Ash Green and Hartley urban area's crime rate of 62.9 per 1,000 residents positions it as the most active settlement compared to its immediate neighbours. Nearby Southfleet reports a rate of 46.3, while Istead Rise and Meopham show rates of 40.9 and 41.8 respectively. Speed Gate reports a crime rate of 0.0 in this dataset. This makes the Longfield area a primary residential centre for the vicinity. However, even with its higher relative rate, it remains significantly safer than the national average, offering a secure environment with a strong safety profile for those living in this part of Kent.

In the Longfield, New Ash Green and Hartley area, where the crime trend has seen an 11.4% increase, homeowners should consider a more robust approach to security. Traditional CCTV systems are reactive; they record footage after a crime has already occurred, which often does little to prevent the incident. For real protection, a proactive system is superior. scOS offers an AI-powered security operating system that identifies potential threats at the property boundary. Using multi-camera intelligence, scOS can detect suspicious activity and engage autonomous responses—such as activating floodlights or audible alerts—to deter an intruder before they attempt to break in or tamper with a vehicle. This proactive detection is designed to destroy the element of surprise that criminals rely on. By making the property an unappealing target within the first 60 seconds, scOS prevents crimes from happening rather than just documenting them. For residents, this professional-grade prevention is a vital tool.