Otford and Kemsing Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Otford and Kemsing’s crime profile in August 2024 reveals a distinct mix of property and violent crimes that contrasts with national trends. The area’s overall crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 residents, 35.4% below the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000, underscores its relatively low-crime environment. However, the distribution of crime types tells a more nuanced story: property crimes (19 incidents) accounted for 47.5% of all reported crimes, while violent crimes (14 incidents) made up 35%. This balance suggests a community where property-related issues, such as vehicle crime and burglary, dominate, even as violent offences remain a persistent concern. The seasonal context of August—a peak holiday month—may partly explain the 400% increase in burglary, as empty homes during school holidays and increased tourism could heighten risks. Meanwhile, the lower-than-average violent crime rate may reflect the area’s character as a built-up but low-density residential zone with limited nightlife or commercial hubs that typically drive such offences. Vehicle crime, at 0.8 per 1,000, is higher than the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000, a discrepancy that could stem from the area’s proximity to major roads or commuter routes. This mix of crime types highlights a community where property security and vehicle theft prevention remain key priorities, even as violent crime remains a manageable but non-trivial concern.

August 2024 saw dramatic increases in specific crime categories, with burglary surging by 400% (from 1 to 5 incidents) and violence and sexual offences rising by 250% (from 4 to 14). These jumps contrast with a 25% decrease in other theft, which fell from 4 to 3. The area’s violent crime rate of 1.9 per 1,000 residents is 29% below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000, but vehicle crime at 0.8 per 1,000 is 78% above the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000. This divergence highlights a unique local profile, where property crimes involving vehicles are common. Residents may find the 400% rise in burglary particularly concerning, as it aligns with August being a peak holiday month when empty homes may increase vulnerability. Meanwhile, the drop in other theft could reflect seasonal shifts in retail activity or improved local security measures. The area’s violent crime rate, though lower than the UK average, remains a focus for community attention given the sharp month-on-month increase.

The crime rate in Otford and Kemsing rose sharply in August 2024, increasing by 166.3% from the previous month’s rate of 2.0 per 1,000 to 5.3 per 1,000. This jump, though significant, remains 35.4% below the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately one crime per day in August, a figure that translates to a monthly exposure of one reported crime for every 189 residents. This suggests that while crime is relatively low compared to national standards, the rate of increase over the past month is noteworthy. The population of 7,545 means that each resident faces a calculated risk of encountering crime at a rate that is lower than the UK average but has shown a pronounced upward trend in recent weeks. This shift may reflect seasonal factors, such as increased tourism during August, which could contribute to fluctuations in certain crime types. However, the overall rate remains in a range consistent with a low-crime built-up area, even as local patterns shift.