West Kingsdown Crime Rate

West Kingsdown is a safe and secure urban settlement within the Sevenoaks local authority, with crime statistics that compare favourably to the national average. The area has an overall crime rate of 58.0 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 West Kingsdown is decreasing, showing a 5.6% drop year-over-year. This combination of a low crime rate and a downward trend makes West Kingsdown a highly secure environment for its residents. While violence and anti-social behaviour remain factors, the overall safety profile of the village is very strong.

In West Kingsdown, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, representing 31.2% of all reported incidents with 110 cases. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent at 15.3%, followed by other theft at 14.7%. Property-related crime overall—including burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—maintains a rate of 25.6 per 1,000 people. This is lower than the UK average of 32.9, indicating that West Kingsdown is a relatively secure area for property owners. However, criminal damage and arson are notable localized issues, accounting for 13.6% of total crime. Vehicle crime and burglary each account for over 5% of offences. For homeowners and residents, these statistics mean that while the overall risk is low, opportunistic theft, criminal damage, and vehicle-related offences are the primary property security risks in the area.

The crime trend in West Kingsdown is currently decreasing, with a 5.6% drop year-over-year. Monthly data from the past year shows that the crime rate was relatively low in early 2025, with January recording a rate of 2.8 per 1,000. However, the rate began to climb in the spring and reached a significant peak of 7.7 per 1,000 in August 2025. This summer spike is a common pattern, but the overall downward trend across the year suggests a general improvement in the local safety environment. By October 2025, the rate moderated to 3.8 per 1,000. For residents, this trend indicates that while there are seasonal fluctuations, the area remains safer than many others, with a positive long-term outlook for the community's security.

How To Keep Safe in West Kingsdown

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in West Kingsdown, so personal safety should be a priority for residents. When walking through the village 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. Theft and criminal damage are also notable issues locally, particularly during the afternoon hours. Residents should ensure that all personal property, including garden equipment and bicycles, is securely locked away when not in use. For vehicle owners, ensuring that cars are locked and parked in well-lit areas can deter opportunistic thieves, as vehicle crime accounts for nearly 8% of local offences. 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 West Kingsdown

Crime in West Kingsdown 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 57% of incidents in that period. This suggests that opportunistic crime is most active during the day. In the evening (6pm-12am), burglary accounts for 15%, while other offences peak at 47%. During the night-time hours between 12am and 6am, the focus shifts toward vehicle crime, which makes up 36% of crimes during this period, while burglary remains at 19%. Morning hours also see a high percentage of theft (52%) and vehicle crime (13%). These patterns indicate that while property security is important throughout the day, vehicle protection and burglary prevention are critical priorities 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, West Kingsdown's crime rate of 58.0 per 1,000 residents positions it as a safe settlement compared to its neighbours. Nearby Farningham reports a much higher rate of 103.2, while Eynsford shows a rate of 78.0. Speed Gate and Ash both report crime rates of 0.0 in this dataset. This makes West Kingsdown a secure middle ground for the area. Even with its higher rate compared to some immediate neighbours, it remains significantly safer than the national average, offering a stable and secure environment for those living in this part of Kent.

In West Kingsdown, where the property crime rate is 25.6 per 1,000 and the overall crime rate is 58.0 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 West Kingsdown residents, this professional-grade prevention is a vital tool.