Otford and Kemsing Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

September 2023 marked a continuation of Otford and Kemsing’s status as one of the UK’s safest built-up areas, with a crime rate of 2.8 per 1,000 residents—65% below the national average of 8.0 per 1,000. The area’s crime profile is shaped by its rural character within the Sevenoaks district, where low population density and community cohesion likely contribute to consistently low crime levels. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 38.1% of all crimes, but this rate is 60% below the UK average. Other theft and burglary each contributed 19.1% of reported crimes, though burglary’s rate is higher than the national average. The seasonal context of September, with back-to-school and university freshers’ week, may have influenced patterns, as evidenced by the 100% increase in bicycle theft and burglary. However, these rises were offset by significant declines in anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson, which fell by 50% and 66.7% respectively. The area’s low crime rate is further reinforced by the absence of major urban infrastructure, which typically drives higher rates of property crime and public order offences. While the 100% increase in certain categories may raise questions, the overall trend remains one of stability and safety, with crime levels that are 65% below the UK average. This suggests that local factors, such as strong community policing and the absence of high-risk environments, play a key role in maintaining the area’s security.

September 2023 witnessed a dramatic 100% increase in three categories—burglary, drugs, and bicycle theft—each rising from zero to four, one, and one incidents respectively. This surge in burglary, though still low (0.5 per 1,000), is 56% above the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000, suggesting a localised spike that may relate to seasonal factors such as back-to-school preparations or increased property activity. Conversely, violence and sexual offences fell by 11.1% from nine to eight incidents, and anti-social behaviour dropped by 50% to two incidents, potentially reflecting the quieter nature of the area during September. The breakdown shows that violence and sexual offences remain the most prevalent category, accounting for 38.1% of all crimes, but are 60% below the UK average. This contrast between local and national trends underscores the unique crime profile of Otford and Kemsing, where property crimes dominate despite overall low rates. A resident might find the 100% increase in burglary particularly noteworthy, as it highlights the need for continued vigilance in securing homes during the autumn months.

Otford and Kemsing’s September 2023 crime rate of 2.8 per 1,000 residents marks a 22.3% decrease from August’s 3.6 per 1,000, reflecting a continued trend of declining crime in this built-up area. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly one crime per day over the month, a figure that aligns with its low overall crime rate compared to national averages. When scaled to the local population of 7,545, this means that over the course of September, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 359 residents. This monthly exposure metric highlights the rarity of crime in the area, though the rate remains significantly below the UK average. The population-scaled perspective reinforces that Otford and Kemsing is among the safest areas in the country, with crime levels that are 65% below the national average. While the daily figure may seem high for some, it is important to contextualise this within the area’s small population and rural character, which likely contributes to lower crime rates through factors such as community cohesion and limited urban density.