South Darenth and Sutton at Hone Crime Rate

South Darenth and Sutton at Hone is a safe urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 59.4 per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1. With a safety score of 86/100, the area is considered much safer than many comparable built-up areas. The crime trend is currently stable, showing a minor year-over-year decrease of 4.0%. While violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported incidents, the property crime rate of 28.2 per 1,000 people remains below the national average of 32.9. This data provides a comprehensive look at the safety landscape for residents and prospective movers in this part of Sevenoaks.

In South Darenth and Sutton at Hone, violence and sexual offences represent the most significant crime category, accounting for 32.7% of all recorded incidents with 86 cases. Shoplifting follows as the second most prevalent issue, making up 12.9% of the total, while vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour are tied for third, each representing 11.4%.

The overall property crime rate stands at 28.2 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly lower than the UK average of 32.9. This category includes 30 vehicle crimes, 24 incidents of criminal damage and arson, 20 cases of other theft, and 15 burglaries. For residents and homeowners, this suggests that while the area is generally safe, vehicle security and perimeter protection remain important considerations to mitigate the risk of opportunistic theft and property damage.

The crime trend in South Darenth and Sutton at Hone is currently stable, with a 4.0% decrease in total offences over the last year. Analysis of the monthly data reveals that the crime rate peaked in January 2025 at 7.5 per 1,000 residents. This was followed by a significant drop in February to 4.1. Throughout the spring and summer of 2025, the rate fluctuated between 3.8 and 5.9, ending the period at 4.7 in October. This consistency suggests that while there are seasonal variations, there is no underlying surge in criminal activity, providing a predictable environment for the local community.

How To Keep Safe in South Darenth and Sutton at Hone

The most prevalent crime type in South Darenth and Sutton at Hone is violence and sexual offences. While many of these incidents may occur in private settings, personal safety in public remains a priority. To stay safe, always plan your route in advance and stick to well-lit, busy pedestrian paths when walking at night. Avoid using headphones or being distracted by your phone, as maintaining situational awareness is your best defence.

If you are out in the evening, consider using a personal safety app that shares your live location with trusted contacts. When using public transport or taxis, ensure you are using registered services and wait in brightly lit areas. For homeowners, ensuring that your property's exterior is well-lit with motion-activated lighting can deter anti-social behaviour near your boundary. Always trust your instincts; if a situation or location feels uncomfortable, move to a populated area as quickly as possible.

Crime in South Darenth and Sutton at Hone follows distinct temporal patterns. During the morning hours, theft and vehicle crime are prominent, often coinciding with residents leaving for work. The afternoon sees a peak in shoplifting and burglary, suggesting opportunistic activity when properties may be empty. Evening hours bring a shift towards anti-social behaviour and violence, typically associated with social activity. Notably, the night period (12am - 6am) is dominated by vehicle crime, which accounts for a significant 57% of all incidents during these hours, highlighting the vulnerability of parked cars overnight.

When looking at the local region, South Darenth and Sutton at Hone sits in a relatively safe position. It is considerably safer than Darenth, which has a much higher crime rate of 139.0 per 1,000 people, and Horton Kirby, which reports 89.1. It is closely comparable to Hawley in Dartford, which has a rate of 60.0. For those seeking the absolute lowest crime statistics in the immediate vicinity, Swanley Village reports a crime rate of 0.0, though it is a much smaller settlement. Overall, South Darenth offers a balanced safety profile for the Sevenoaks area.

With a property crime rate of 28.2 per 1,000 people, residents of South Darenth and Sutton at Hone should consider the limitations of traditional security. Standard CCTV and doorbell cameras are reactive; they provide footage of a crime after it has already occurred, which often does little to prevent the initial loss or trauma.

For genuine protection, a proactive approach is required. scOS is an AI-powered operating system that transforms standard security hardware into an intelligent deterrent. By detecting threats at the property boundary rather than at the front door, scOS can intervene before a crime is committed. Its multi-camera intelligence monitors your entire perimeter simultaneously, using pattern learning to distinguish between a delivery driver and a genuine threat. In an area where vehicle crime is one of the top concerns, scOS's ability to verify number plates and trigger autonomous responses—such as activating lights or speakers—can stop a thief in their tracks. Moving from recording to prevention is the most effective way to secure your home.