Otford and Kemsing Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For an area of 7,545 residents, April 2024 saw 32 crimes reported, translating to a crime rate of 4.2 per 1,000 residents. This figure is 45.5% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, highlighting a lower-than-average crime profile for this built-up area within Sevenoaks. The most common crimes were burglary, violence and sexual offences, and anti-social behaviour, each accounting for 15.6% of the total. These categories collectively illustrate a mixed picture of property-related and personal safety concerns. The lower-than-average violent crime rate may partly reflect the area’s relatively low population density and community-oriented character, though seasonal factors like Easter and spring weather could have influenced outdoor activity patterns. Burglary, while a significant local concern (5 incidents, 0.7 per 1,000), is 119% above the UK average, suggesting local vulnerabilities in property security. Conversely, violence and sexual offences (5 incidents) are 73% below the UK average, linked to the area’s suburban environment and lower levels of late-night activity. Anti-social behaviour also falls below the UK average by 43%, which may align with effective local policing or community engagement efforts. The seasonal context of April—marked by Easter and increased outdoor activity—could have contributed to fluctuations in crime types, though no direct correlation is evident in the data. Overall, the crime profile suggests a generally safe area with targeted risks in property crime and community disorder.

April 2024 saw stark contrasts in crime trends compared to March. Other theft, bicycle theft, and other crime each surged by 100% from zero to four incidents, indicating sudden spikes in specific categories. Violence and sexual offences dropped by 64.3% (from 14 to 5), while public order offences fell by 50% (from 2 to 1), suggesting a possible reduction in community tensions or effective interventions during the month. Burglary remained a local concern, with 5 incidents (0.7 per 1,000)—119% above the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000. This discrepancy may reflect the area’s built-up nature, where homes are more concentrated and potentially more accessible to intruders. In contrast, violence and sexual offences were 73% below the UK average, consistent with the area’s likely lower population density and fewer late-night venues. Bicycle theft, at 2 incidents (0.3 per 1,000), was 329% above the UK average, pointing to local vulnerabilities such as a lack of secure parking for cyclists. These spikes and drops highlight the need for targeted measures, such as improved bike storage or enhanced property security, while the overall decline in violent crime offers a positive note for residents.

The crime rate in April 2024 (4.2 per 1,000) marks a 6.0% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 4.5 per 1,000, reflecting a slight but measurable trend towards lower crime. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly one crime per day, a figure that, while low, underscores the potential for sudden spikes in specific categories like bicycle theft. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 236 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than many urban centres but higher than some rural areas. With a population of 7,545, the area’s crime profile suggests that while the overall rate is below average, certain categories—particularly burglary and bicycle theft—require focused attention. For residents, this means that while the likelihood of encountering crime is relatively low, specific vulnerabilities in property security and cycling infrastructure may need improvement. The comparison to the UK average also reveals that the area’s lower violent crime rate may be linked to its suburban character, where community cohesion and policing efforts likely play a role. However, the above-average burglary rate indicates that property-related risks remain a priority for local authorities.