Otford and Kemsing Crime Rate

Otford and Kemsing is a remarkably safe urban settlement within the Sevenoaks local authority, featuring an overall crime rate of 38.7 per 1,000 residents. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6, contributing to an impressive safety score of 91/100. The area is currently seeing a positive shift in its safety profile, with crime rates decreasing by 19.8% year-over-year. This downward trend, combined with a property crime rate of 16.2 per 1,000 (well below the UK average of 32.2), makes it a highly desirable location for those prioritising security. The following data provides a detailed analysis of local crime patterns to help residents and visitors understand the local environment.

In Otford and Kemsing, the crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 32.5% of all reported incidents, at a rate of 12.6 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour (15.1%) and vehicle crime (10.3%). While these figures represent the most frequent reports, they occur within a context of high overall safety.

Property-related crime, which encompasses burglary, various forms of theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, currently stands at a rate of 16.2 per 1,000 people. Within this category, vehicle crime is the most prominent at 4.0 per 1,000, followed by 'other theft' and criminal damage. Burglary remains relatively low at 2.9 per 1,000 residents. For homeowners and residents, this data suggests that while the area is statistically very safe, maintaining standard security protocols for vehicles and residential boundaries remains a sensible precaution to deter opportunistic theft.

The crime trend in Otford and Kemsing is currently on a significant downward trajectory, with a 19.8% year-over-year decrease. Monthly data from 2025 shows a peak in activity during March, with a rate of 5.2 per 1,000, followed by a secondary rise in November (4.4). However, the latter half of the year saw some of the lowest rates recorded, with October dropping to just 1.6 per 1,000. This general decline is a positive indicator for the community, suggesting that local safety initiatives or policing strategies are proving effective. For residents, this trend means a lower likelihood of encountering crime compared to previous years, though the fluctuations in March and November highlight the need for continued vigilance during historically busier months.

How To Keep Safe in Otford and Kemsing

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crime type in the area. While the overall numbers are low, personal safety remains paramount. To stay safe, always try to stick to well-lit, populated routes when walking at night and remain aware of your surroundings. If you are using public transport hubs, plan your journey in advance and let someone know your expected arrival time.

For vehicle owners, given that vehicle crime is the third highest category, ensure that no valuables are left on display and always double-check that doors are locked. In residential areas, consider installing motion-activated lighting around driveways to deter opportunistic interference. Reporting any suspicious loitering or unusual anti-social behaviour to the local neighbourhood policing team helps maintain the low crime rates that Otford and Kemsing currently enjoys.

Analysis of crime timing in Otford and Kemsing reveals distinct patterns for different offence types. During the morning (6am-12pm), theft is the dominant concern, accounting for 43% of reports. This trend intensifies in the afternoon (12pm-6pm), where theft-related offences peak at 49% of the period's total activity. As the day progresses into the evening, the focus shifts toward vehicle crime, which makes up 26% of reports between 6pm and midnight. The night-time hours (12am-6am) see vehicle crime become the primary issue, representing 52% of all incidents during this window. Burglary remains relatively consistent throughout the 24-hour cycle, peaking slightly in the afternoon at 25%. These patterns suggest that while daytime crime is largely opportunistic and theft-based, the night-time poses a specific risk to vehicles parked on streets or driveways.

When comparing Otford and Kemsing to its immediate neighbours, the area sits in a mid-range for the local region. It is slightly more active than Dunton Green, which has a lower rate of 32.3 per 1,000. However, it remains safer than Seal, where the crime rate rises to 46.4. The nearby rural villages of Shoreham and Sepham Heath both recorded zero crimes per 1,000, which is common for very small, isolated communities. For those looking at the Sevenoaks district, Otford and Kemsing offers a very high standard of safety that is consistent with the generally secure nature of this part of Kent.

With a property crime rate of 16.2 per 1,000 in Otford and Kemsing, residents enjoy a level of security well above the national average. However, the presence of vehicle crime and burglary suggests that proactive protection is still a wise investment. Traditional security systems often rely on recording a crime as it happens, providing you with footage of a theft after the fact. In contrast, scOS offers a proactive approach by using AI to detect threats at your property boundary. By identifying suspicious patterns and unauthorised vehicles—including those with cloned plates—scOS can trigger autonomous responses like activating lights or speakers before a break-in occurs. This shifts the focus from reaction to prevention, ensuring that your home remains a hard target. For Otford and Kemsing homeowners, the goal is to maintain the area's high safety standards by deterring the opportunistic elements that constitute the majority of local property crime.