Otford and Kemsing Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Otford and Kemsing's crime rate of 4.4 per 1,000 in July 2023 places it 47% below the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000. This built-up area within Sevenoaks, a commuter town near London, maintains a lower crime profile compared to national trends. The most common crime types were violence and sexual offences (33.3% of total), followed by public order (15.2%) and burglary (12.1%). These figures align with the area's character as a largely residential community with limited industrial or commercial density, though the presence of public order offences suggests localised tensions during peak summer activity. Seasonal context—schools out, tourism at its height, and festivals—likely contributes to the elevated share of violence and public order crimes, as outdoor events and increased foot traffic may amplify such incidents. The area's burglary rate, while 52% above the UK average for this category, remains modest in absolute terms (four reported cases), possibly reflecting the limited number of properties in this small built-up area. Overall, the crime picture illustrates a balance between typical urban challenges and the stabilising effects of a tightly knit, low-density community.

July 2023 saw significant month-on-month changes in Otford and Kemsing's crime profile. Public order offences surged by 150% (from 2 to 5 cases), likely tied to increased summer activity and events in the area. Burglary cases doubled from zero to four, a stark increase that may reflect heightened vulnerability during extended periods of unoccupied properties, though the absolute number remains low given the area's small population. Anti-social behaviour rose by 50% (from 2 to 3 cases), suggesting a possible link to the summer season's social dynamics. In contrast, vehicle crime fell by 75% (from 8 to 2 cases), potentially due to reduced vehicle presence or increased community vigilance during the holidays. The breakdown of crime types reveals a mix of localised challenges and national trends: violence and sexual offences (1.5 per 1,000) are 46% below the UK average, while public order offences (0.7 per 1,000) are 13% above. These variations highlight the combination of seasonal factors and the area's unique characteristics. A resident would find the 150% increase in public order offences particularly noteworthy, as it signals a potential need for community engagement strategies during peak summer months.

Otford and Kemsing's crime rate rose by 13.8% from 3.8 per 1,000 in June to 4.4 per 1,000 in July 2023, though it remains well below the UK average. Over the course of July, the area experienced an average of one reported crime per day—a figure that, while modest, reflects the direct impact of localised incidents on daily life. When scaled to the population, this translates to one reported crime for every 229 residents over the month, a ratio that underscores the relatively low risk profile of the area compared to national benchmarks. The increase from June to July aligns with typical summer patterns, as the area's tourism peak and extended school holidays likely contribute to higher foot traffic and associated crime risks. Despite the month-on-month rise, the area's overall crime rate continues to demonstrate resilience, with violent crime rates 46% below the UK average and anti-social behaviour incidents 72% below the national figure. This suggests that while seasonal factors may temporarily elevate certain crime types, the underlying stability of Otford and Kemsing's crime profile remains a key feature of its local security landscape.