West Kingsdown Crime Rate

West Kingsdown is a safe and well-established urban settlement in the Sevenoaks local authority, with an overall crime rate of 61.6 per 1,000 residents. This rate sits comfortably below the UK average of 91.6, reflected in a strong safety score of 86/100. While the area is safer than many national counterparts, recent data shows a 10.0% increase in reported crimes year-over-year. Property crime currently stands at 26.8 per 1,000, which is lower than the UK average of 32.2. These figures suggest a secure environment, though the slight upward trend warrants a proactive approach to personal and home security. The following analysis explores specific crime types and time patterns to provide a comprehensive view of safety in West Kingsdown.

In West Kingsdown, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 32.5% of all reports, equivalent to 20.0 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by 'other theft' and anti-social behaviour, both of which account for 14.4% of the total. Criminal damage and arson also represent a significant portion of local activity at 12.5%.

Property crime in West Kingsdown is recorded at a rate of 26.8 per 1,000 people. This includes a mix of 'other theft' (8.9 per 1,000), vehicle crime (5.3 per 1,000), and burglary (3.5 per 1,000). While the burglary rate is relatively low compared to the UK average, the combined impact of theft and criminal damage suggests that residents should be proactive about securing their homes and outbuildings. For homeowners, the data indicates that opportunistic theft and vandalism are more prevalent than forced residential entries, making visible deterrents and robust perimeter security particularly effective in this urban context.

West Kingsdown has experienced a 10.0% increase in crime over the past year. Monthly analysis shows that crime rates were relatively stable in early 2025 but began to rise significantly during the summer months. August was the busiest month for local police, with a rate of 7.7 per 1,000, followed by July at 6.4. These peaks suggest that warmer weather and increased outdoor activity may correlate with higher crime levels in the area. Conversely, January recorded the lowest rate at 2.8 per 1,000. For residents, this trend indicates that while the area remains safe, there is a growing need for vigilance, particularly during the peak summer period when opportunistic offences appear to be more frequent.

How To Keep Safe in West Kingsdown

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in West Kingsdown. While the overall risk is lower than the national average, personal safety should always be a priority. We recommend staying aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone in less populated areas or during the late evening. Using well-lit routes and keeping a mobile phone charged and accessible are simple but effective precautions.

The area also sees a significant amount of 'other theft' and anti-social behaviour. To protect your property, ensure that garden equipment, bicycles, and tools are kept in locked sheds or garages. Anti-social behaviour can often be deterred by visible security and good community engagement; reporting persistent issues to the local Sevenoaks policing team helps ensure resources are allocated effectively. For vehicle owners, always remove electronics and bags from view, as these are common targets for opportunistic thieves during the night.

Crime in West Kingsdown follows a clear temporal cycle. The morning hours (6am-12pm) are heavily influenced by theft, which accounts for 51% of reported incidents. This trend continues into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), where theft-related offences reach their peak at 57% of the total. During these daylight hours, burglary also accounts for up to 15% of reports, suggesting that unattended properties are a target. As evening approaches (6pm-12am), 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, become the most prominent at 43%. The night-time period (12am-6am) sees a major shift toward vehicle crime, which makes up 43% of all incidents reported during these hours. This data suggests that while residents should be most concerned with theft and property security during the day, vehicle protection is the primary priority overnight.

In the local regional context, West Kingsdown offers a safer environment than several of its neighbours. Its crime rate of 61.6 is lower than Eynsford (78.0) and significantly lower than Farningham (92.3). Conversely, it is more active than the very small communities of Ash and Speed Gate, which recorded no crimes during the data period. This comparison highlights West Kingsdown as a relatively secure mid-sized settlement that avoids the higher crime concentrations found in some nearby transit-linked or larger villages, while still being more active than isolated rural hamlets.

With a property crime rate of 26.8 per 1,000 in West Kingsdown, maintaining a secure home environment is an important consideration for residents. The prevalence of 'other theft' and vehicle crime suggests that opportunistic criminals are the primary threat. Traditional security measures, such as basic alarm systems or standard CCTV, are often reactive—they notify you or provide evidence only after a crime has been committed. For those seeking a higher level of protection, scOS offers a proactive alternative. By utilising AI-powered multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundary in real-time, identifying suspicious behaviour before an incident occurs. It can distinguish between regular visitors and potential threats, even verifying vehicle plates to spot known risks. This autonomous response, which can include activating deterrents like lights and speakers, is designed to stop a crime in its tracks. In an area like West Kingsdown, where theft is a notable factor, shifting from reactive recording to proactive prevention with scOS can make your home a significantly less attractive target.