Otford and Kemsing Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Otford and Kemsing maintained a crime rate of 2.9 per 1,000 residents in February 2026, a figure that is 54.7% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This performance places the area among the safest in the country, though the month’s data reveals some troubling trends that warrant attention. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (5 incidents, 22.7% of total), followed closely by other theft (4 incidents, 18.2%) and vehicle crime (4 incidents, 18.2%). The low crime rate is consistent with the area’s character as a built-up part of Sevenoaks, where suburban density and proximity to commuter routes may contribute to both lower overall crime and specific patterns in property-related offences. February, a winter month with limited outdoor activity, typically sees a pre-spring lull in crime, yet the sharp rise in other theft and vehicle crime suggests that local factors — such as changes in seasonal routines or temporary disruptions — may have played a role. The area’s violence rate is 70% below the UK average, reflecting a broader trend of low violent crime in this part of Kent, though the absolute number of incidents (five) remains a concern for residents. The breakdown shows that while anti-social behaviour and public order offences are both significantly below UK averages (56% and 76% below respectively), the surge in property crimes indicates that the usual seasonal patterns may have been disrupted. This contrast between low violent crime and rising property-related offences highlights the need for targeted awareness campaigns, particularly around securing vehicles and homes during the winter months. The area’s overall safety profile remains strong, but the specific increases in February underscore the importance of community vigilance and local policing efforts in addressing emerging trends.

February 2026 marked a sharp increase in two specific crime categories: other theft and vehicle crime, both of which rose by 300% compared to January. This surge — from one to four incidents in each category — represents a significant shift in the crime mix, with property-related offences now accounting for 36.4% of total crimes (13 out of 22). While violent crime fell by 37.5% (from eight to five incidents), the absolute numbers for property crimes highlight a growing concern for residents. Other theft in the area is 19% above the UK average (0.4 vs 0.5 per 1,000), suggesting a unique local dynamic that may be linked to factors such as unsecured premises or seasonal activity patterns. Conversely, burglary — which dropped by two-thirds — remains 60% below the UK average, reinforcing the area’s generally low risk profile for this category. Residents should be particularly mindful of the 300% increase in vehicle crime, which may be influenced by factors such as increased commuter traffic or changes in local parking habits.

Otford and Kemsing's crime rate in February 2026 rose by 10.2% compared to the previous month, moving from 2.7 to 2.9 per 1,000 residents. This increase, while modest, underscores the need for continued vigilance. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately one crime per day over the 28-day period, reflecting a low but consistent level of activity. When scaled to the population of 7,545, this translates to one reported crime for every 343 residents over the course of the month — a figure that highlights the relatively low exposure to crime in this built-up area. While the overall rate remains significantly below the UK average, the upward trend suggests that local factors, such as seasonal shifts or changes in community activity, may be influencing crime patterns. This monthly exposure metric provides a tangible way for residents to contextualise risk, though it does not account for variations in crime distribution across different parts of the area.