Otford and Kemsing Crime Rate

Otford and Kemsing has seen a 41% increase in anti-social behaviour despite a 25.3% overall drop in crime rates. With a safety score of 92/100 and crime rates 59.9% below the UK average, this commuter town is remarkably safe. However, the rise in anti-social behaviour—now 57% below the UK average—suggests a need for closer community monitoring.

Otford and Kemsing is a commuter town within Sevenoaks, blending residential areas with small-scale retail and community hubs. Proximity to London and a mix of schools, shops, and green spaces likely influence its crime profile. The low population density and strong sense of community may contribute to its overall safety, though the rise in anti-social behaviour suggests increased public interactions or events.

The most surprising finding is the 41% year-on-year increase in anti-social behaviour, despite remaining 57% below the UK average. This could reflect heightened community engagement or more public events. Violence and sexual offences remain the most common crime (11.5 per 1,000), likely linked to the area’s mix of residential and commercial spaces. Vehicle crime (4.1 per 1,000) is lower than the UK average, possibly due to secure parking and lower traffic density. Theft from the person and shoplifting are suppressed, which may be attributed to the area’s lower tourist footfall compared to urban centres.

Crime in Otford and Kemsing has decreased by 25.3% year-on-year, with other crime falling by 68.8%—the steepest drop. Monthly trends show a peak in March 2025 (5.2 per 1,000) followed by a sharp decline in October 2025 (1.6 per 1,000), likely due to seasonal factors like reduced tourism and fewer outdoor activities. Anti-social behaviour has risen by 41% YoY, possibly linked to increased community events or public interactions.

How To Keep Safe in Otford and Kemsing

Residents should focus on securing vehicles, as vehicle crime (4.1 per 1,000) remains a concern despite a 41.5% YoY decline. Use secure parking and consider scOS’s DVLA verification for suspicious vehicles. For anti-social behaviour, which has risen by 41% YoY, community engagement and reporting through 101 can help maintain the area’s safety. Avoid leaving valuables visible in cars, as theft from the person remains low but not absent (3.8 per 1,000).

Crimes in Otford and Kemsing show distinct patterns. Vehicle crime spikes at night (12am–6am), aligning with reduced surveillance and fewer pedestrians. Theft peaks in the afternoon (12pm–6pm), likely tied to shopping activity. Burglary is most common in the evening (6pm–12am), possibly due to increased home occupancy during the day. Anti-social behaviour appears evenly distributed, suggesting it may be linked to daytime public spaces rather than specific hours.

Otford and Kemsing’s crime rate (36.4 per 1,000) is 9% higher than Dunton Green (33.3) but 27% lower than Seal (46.4). This difference may reflect variations in population density or local amenities, with Seal’s higher rate likely tied to its proximity to more commercial activity.

In Otford and Kemsing, where crime rates are 59.9% below the UK average, proactive security measures like scOS can enhance safety. Its AI monitors property boundaries, detecting threats before break-ins occur. For vehicle crime—now 11% below the UK average—scOS’s DVLA verification flags suspicious vehicles. Anti-social behaviour, though rising, can be addressed with automated lighting and speaker systems to deter activity in public spaces.