Otford and Kemsing Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate Otford and Kemsing's crime picture in October 2023, accounting for 37.9% of the area's 29 reported crimes. This category's rate of 1.5 per 1,000 residents is 44% below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000, highlighting a persistent gap between local and national crime profiles. The overall crime rate of 3.8 per 1,000 remains 52.5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, a statistic that aligns with the area's character as a built-up district within Sevenoaks, likely featuring a mix of residential and commercial spaces with limited public congregation areas. Seasonal factors such as the clocks going back and Halloween may have contributed to the 38.1% month-on-month rise in overall crime, though property crimes remain relatively low compared to violent incidents. The breakdown shows a balanced distribution between property and violent crime, with burglary (10.3%), public order (10.3%), and criminal damage (10.3%) each contributing similarly to the total. This suggests no single environmental factor is driving the crime mix, though the absence of significant retail or nightlife areas may explain the lack of shoplifting or alcohol-related offences typically seen in urban centres.

October 2023 saw sharp increases in criminal damage and arson (+200%), vehicle crime (+100%), and other crime (+100%) compared to September. These spikes may partly reflect seasonal factors such as Halloween-related activity and darker evenings. Meanwhile, other theft fell by 50% and burglary decreased by 25%, suggesting some crime types are stabilising. Violence and sexual offences remain the most prevalent category, with a rate of 1.5 per 1,000 — 44% below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000. This category's dominance likely reflects the area's small population and limited public spaces, where interpersonal incidents are more concentrated. Residents may find the 52.5% gap from the UK average reassuring. month-on-month rise underscores the need for continued monitoring.

Otford and Kemsing's crime rate in October 2023 rose by 38.1% compared to September's 2.8 per 1,000, reaching 3.8 per 1,000. This increase, while notable, remains 52.5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly one crime per day over October's 31 days, a figure that may appear low but reflects the small population of 7,545 residents. Monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 260 residents, a statistic that contextualises the scale of incidents in a localised manner. The population size means even modest changes in crime numbers can appear significant when scaled per capita, though the overall rate remains well below national benchmarks. This contrast highlights the area's generally low crime profile despite the recent upward trend.