Sevenoaks Crime Rate

The Sevenoaks urban area is a safe and secure settlement within the Sevenoaks local authority, with crime statistics that compare very favourably to the national average. The area has an overall crime rate of 61.2 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1. This is supported by an impressive safety score of 87/100, well above the national benchmark of 78. Furthermore, the recent crime trend in Sevenoaks is decreasing, showing a 15.3% drop year-over-year. This combination of a low crime rate and a downward trend makes Sevenoaks a highly secure environment for its residents. While opportunistic theft and vehicle crime remain factors, the overall safety profile of the town is very strong.

In the Sevenoaks urban area, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, representing 25.6% of all reported incidents with 424 cases. Anti-social behaviour follows at 16.4%, and shoplifting at 13.5%. Property-related crime overall—including burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—maintains a rate of 29.5 per 1,000 people. This is slightly lower than the UK average of 32.9, but still a significant factor for the town. Vehicle crime is a notable localized issue, with a rate of 5.9 per 1,000 residents, accounting for 9.6% of total crime. Burglary also accounts for 6.2% of offences. For homeowners and vehicle owners, these statistics mean that while the area is generally safe, opportunistic theft and vehicle-related offences are the primary property security risks that require consistent vigilance.

The crime trend in Sevenoaks is currently decreasing, with a 15.3% drop year-over-year. Monthly data from the past year shows that the crime rate was relatively consistent, with a low of 4.5 per 1,000 in March 2025. The rate peaked slightly in May at 6.1 per 1,000, which is a common seasonal pattern observed across the UK during the spring months. Since that peak, the rate has moderated, ending at 4.7 per 1,000 in October 2025. This overall downward trend suggests that the crime environment in Sevenoaks is improving. For residents, this is a very positive indicator, reflecting the effectiveness of local policing and community safety initiatives. The consistent figures throughout the year suggest a town that is successfully maintaining its high standards of security.

How To Keep Safe in Sevenoaks

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Sevenoaks, so personal safety should be a priority for residents. When walking through the town centre after dark, it is advisable to stay in well-lit, busy areas and avoid isolated shortcuts. Letting someone know your expected arrival time can provide extra peace of mind. Shoplifting and theft are also notable issues locally, particularly during the afternoon hours. Residents should remain vigilant with personal belongings in crowded retail areas. For vehicle owners, the higher rate of vehicle crime means that ensuring cars are locked and parked in well-lit areas is essential. Avoid leaving any valuables on display, as this can attract opportunistic thieves. Since anti-social behaviour is another factor, reporting any recurring issues to local authorities can help them target their presence effectively. Engaging with neighbours and joining a local neighbourhood watch scheme can further enhance community security through collective vigilance and information sharing.

Crime Timing in Sevenoaks

Crime in Sevenoaks shows distinct temporal patterns, particularly regarding theft and vehicle-related offences. During the afternoon hours between 12pm and 6pm, theft is the dominant concern, accounting for 48% of incidents in that period. This suggests that retail areas are most active for opportunistic crime during the day. In the evening (6pm-12am), burglary remains a factor at 20%, while vehicle crime accounts for 23%. During the night-time hours between 12am and 6am, the focus shifts significantly toward vehicle crime, which makes up 49% of crimes during this period. Morning hours also see a high percentage of theft (43%) and vehicle crime (22%). These patterns indicate that while property security is important throughout the day, vehicle protection is a critical priority during the night. Understanding these high-activity windows allows residents to be more vigilant and ensure their security measures are most effective.

In the local Sevenoaks region, the town's crime rate of 61.2 per 1,000 residents positions it as the most active urban hub compared to its immediate neighbours. Nearby Dunton Green reports a rate of 34.7, while Otford and Kemsing show a rate of 39.2. Seal reports a rate of 42.6, and Godden Green shows a crime rate of 0.0 in this dataset. This makes Sevenoaks the primary commercial and residential centre for the area. However, even with its higher relative rate, Sevenoaks remains significantly safer than the national average, offering a secure urban environment with excellent amenities and a strong safety profile.

In Sevenoaks, where vehicle crime is a notable concern at 5.9 per 1,000 residents and the overall crime rate is 61.2 per 1,000, homeowners should consider a proactive approach to security. Traditional CCTV systems are reactive; they record footage after a crime has already occurred, which often does little to prevent the incident. For real protection, a proactive system is superior. scOS offers an AI-powered security operating system that identifies potential threats at the property boundary. Using multi-camera intelligence, scOS can detect suspicious activity and engage autonomous responses—such as activating floodlights or audible alerts—to deter an intruder before they attempt to break in or tamper with a vehicle. This proactive detection is designed to destroy the element of surprise that criminals rely on. By making the property an unappealing target within the first 60 seconds, scOS prevents crimes from happening rather than just documenting them. For Sevenoaks residents, this professional-grade prevention is a vital tool.