Otford and Kemsing Crime Rate

The Otford and Kemsing urban area is an exceptionally safe and secure settlement within the Sevenoaks local authority, with crime statistics that are among the best in the UK. The area has an overall crime rate of just 39.2 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1. This outstanding level of security is reflected in an impressive safety score of 91/100. Furthermore, the recent crime trend in Otford and Kemsing is decreasing, showing a 19.1% drop year-over-year. This combination of an already low crime rate and a strong downward trend makes Otford and Kemsing a highly secure environment for its residents. While vehicle crime remains a localized factor, the overall safety profile of the area is exceptionally strong.

In the Otford and Kemsing urban area, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, representing 30.4% of all reported incidents with 90 cases. Vehicle crime is the second most significant concern at 11.8%, followed by anti-social behaviour at 11.2%. Property-related crime overall—including burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—maintains a rate of 17.1 per 1,000 people. This is exceptionally low compared to the UK average of 32.9, indicating that Otford and Kemsing is a very secure area for property owners. However, vehicle crime and burglary still account for nearly 20% of total offences combined. For homeowners and vehicle owners, these statistics mean that while the overall risk is very low, opportunistic theft and vehicle-related offences are the primary property security risks in the area.

The crime trend in Otford and Kemsing is currently decreasing significantly, with a 19.1% drop year-over-year. Monthly data from the past year shows that the crime rate was consistently low, with several months reporting rates below 3.0 per 1,000. The highest recorded rate was 5.2 per 1,000 in March 2025. Since that peak, the rate has moderated significantly, dropping to just 1.6 per 1,000 by October 2025. This downward trend is an excellent indicator of the area's security, suggesting that criminal activity is becoming increasingly rare. For residents, this provides significant peace of mind and reinforces Otford and Kemsing's position as one of the safest urban settlements in the district.

How To Keep Safe in Otford and Kemsing

Violence and sexual offences are the most reported crime type in Otford and Kemsing, though the total number of incidents is low. Residents should still maintain standard personal safety awareness, such as staying in well-lit areas when walking between the villages after dark. Vehicle crime is the second most common factor, particularly during the night hours. Vehicle owners are advised to ensure that cars are securely locked, parked in garages or well-lit driveways where possible, and to avoid leaving any valuables on display. Burglary is another factor, most likely to occur in the afternoon and evening; homeowners should ensure all windows and doors are locked when out. Anti-social behaviour also occurs occasionally; reporting any unusual activity to local authorities can help maintain the area's peaceful environment. Since the overall crime volume is so low, being part of a local community watch can be highly effective, as unusual activity is more easily noticed by vigilant neighbours.

Crime Timing in Otford and Kemsing

Crime in Otford and Kemsing shows distinct temporal patterns, particularly regarding vehicle-related offences. During the night-time hours between 12am and 6am, vehicle crime is the primary concern, accounting for 55% of all reported incidents in that period. This suggests that vehicles are most vulnerable under the cover of darkness. In the afternoon (12pm-6pm), the focus shifts toward theft, which makes up 44% of crimes, while burglary accounts for 26%. Evening hours also see a significant portion of vehicle crime (27%) and burglary (22%). Morning hours are relatively quiet but still see theft as a factor (38%). 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 when they are needed most.

In the local Sevenoaks region, Otford and Kemsing's crime rate of 39.2 per 1,000 residents positions it as one of the safest settlements in the area. It is more secure than nearby Seal (42.6) and Sevenoaks town (61.2), and comparable to Dunton Green (34.7). Only the smaller village of Shoreham reports a lower rate of 0.0 in this dataset. This makes Otford and Kemsing an elite choice for those prioritizing safety while remaining close to local amenities. Its extremely low crime profile stands out even in a region that is generally considered very safe, offering a unique level of security for its residents.

In an exceptionally safe area like Otford and Kemsing, where the property crime rate is just 17.1 per 1,000, homeowners often feel a high sense of security. However, with vehicle crime representing 11.8% of local crime data, maintaining a high standard of protection is still wise. Traditional security systems are reactive; they record footage after a crime has already occurred. For residents who want to maintain the area's high safety standards on their own property, a proactive approach is superior. scOS offers an AI-powered security operating system that identifies potential threats at the property boundary. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor the perimeter, scOS can detect suspicious activity and engage autonomous responses—such as activating floodlights or audible alerts—to deter an intruder before they attempt to tamper with a vehicle or enter the home. This proactive detection is designed to destroy the element of surprise. For Otford and Kemsing residents, scOS provides a professional-grade layer of protection that ensures their home remains as safe as the surrounding community.