Otford and Kemsing Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Otford and Kemsing’s crime rate in January 2026 stood at 2.7 per 1,000 residents, a figure that is 60.3% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This stark contrast highlights the area’s effectiveness in maintaining public safety, despite the challenges of a post-holiday period. The most common crimes reported were violence and sexual offences, accounting for 40% of all incidents, followed by criminal damage and arson (15%) and burglary (15%). The seasonal context of January—shorter days, reduced retail footfall, and the post-Christmas lull—likely contributed to the lower overall crime rate, as outdoor activities and commercial traffic typically drive certain categories. However, the dominance of violence and sexual offences suggests a need for focused efforts in addressing interpersonal crime, even within a generally safe environment. The category of anti-social behaviour, which saw a 62.5% decrease compared to December, may be influenced by the transition into winter, when community cohesion and reduced social interactions could deter such incidents. While burglary remained a concern, its rate of 0.4 per 1,000 is slightly above the UK average of 0.3, indicating a minor local risk factor that may warrant further analysis. The overall picture illustrates a built-up area within Sevenoaks that balances suburban tranquillity with the challenges of maintaining security in a rapidly evolving commuter zone.

January 2026 saw notable decreases in anti-social behaviour and other theft, with the latter falling by two-thirds compared to December. This reduction in anti-social behaviour—down from 8 to 3 incidents—may reflect seasonal changes, as shorter daylight hours and post-holiday quietude could curb public disorder. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences surged by 100%, rising from 4 to 8 cases, a figure that remains 56% below the UK average. This category’s sharp increase contrasts with the overall trend of declining crime, highlighting the need for targeted community engagement. Robbery also rose by 100%, with one incident reported—a significant jump from zero in December. However, this isolated increase does not detract from the broader pattern of low crime rates. The category of criminal damage and arson also rose by 50%, though it remains 17% below the UK average. These fluctuations underscore the importance of monitoring specific crime types while recognizing the area’s overall safety compared to national standards.

Otford and Kemsing’s crime rate in January 2026 fell by 9.2% compared to December 2025, reflecting a continued downward trend. The monthly rate of 2.7 per 1,000 residents translates to roughly one reported crime per day across the 31-day period, a figure that underscores the area’s relatively low exposure to crime. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 377 residents, a statistic that places the area well below the UK average when scaled to population size. This low frequency aligns with the built-up area’s character as a commuter suburb within Sevenoaks, where residential density and limited commercial hubs may reduce opportunities for certain crimes. The shift from December’s rate of 2.9 to January’s 2.7 highlights a steady reduction in reported incidents, though the seasonal context of January—shorter days and reduced retail activity—may have contributed to this trend. Residents are likely to find comfort in the fact that the area’s crime profile remains consistently below national benchmarks, even as specific categories like robbery show isolated increases.