Kendal Crime Rate

Kendal maintains a strong safety profile with an overall crime rate of 74.3 per 1,000 people, which is notably lower than the UK average of 93.1. The town currently holds a safety score of 82/100, positioning it well above the national average of 78. Recent data shows a positive trend, with crime levels decreasing by 5.8% year-over-year. As a key commercial and administrative centre for South Lakeland, Kendal's statistics reflect its higher population density and transient visitor numbers compared to its more rural neighbours. The following sections provide a comprehensive breakdown of crime types, temporal patterns, and regional comparisons to help residents and visitors understand Kendal's security environment.

Kendal's crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 45.7% of all reported incidents. This is followed by public order offences at 10.6% and criminal damage and arson at 9.0%. For those concerned with property safety, the overall property crime rate in Kendal is 21.4 per 1,000 people. This includes a total of 59 burglaries and 43 vehicle crimes annually. Shoplifting also features significantly at 8.6%, reflecting the town's role as a major commercial hub for South Lakeland. The combination of these figures suggests that while Kendal is relatively safe, property owners should be mindful of criminal damage and theft-related risks in both residential and retail areas.

Kendal is currently experiencing a sustained reduction in crime, with a 5.8% decrease in total offences over the last year. Analysis of monthly data shows that crime rates peaked in June and July 2025, reaching 7.6 and 7.0 per 1,000 people respectively. Conversely, the safest period was in February 2025, when the rate dropped to 4.7. This seasonal pattern, with higher activity in the summer months, is common for popular tourist destinations. The overall downward trend is a positive indicator for the community, suggesting that local safety measures are effectively managing the town's crime levels despite its role as a regional hub.

How To Keep Safe in Kendal

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Kendal, often linked to the town's nightlife and busy commercial centre. When enjoying the town's pubs and restaurants, it is wise to stay with your group and plan your journey home in advance using reputable local taxi services. Avoid walking alone through quiet areas like the riverside paths or less-frequented alleyways after dark, sticking instead to well-lit main streets. For residents, the high rate of public order and anti-social behaviour incidents suggests that home security should include visible deterrents. Ensuring your property has clear boundaries and motion-activated lighting can help discourage nuisance behaviour and criminal damage. Always report any suspicious activity to the Cumbria Constabulary to assist in maintaining the town's downward crime trend.

Kendal's crime distribution shows significant variation across a 24-hour period. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the dominant concern, accounting for 42% of crimes in both periods, largely driven by shoplifting and town-centre activity. As evening approaches, 'other' crimes, including public order and anti-social behaviour, rise sharply to 64% of incidents, coinciding with the evening economy. Night-time hours see a notable shift towards property-related crime; vehicle crime increases to 20% and burglary to 18% of the total for that period. This suggests that while personal safety is a focus for the evening, property and vehicle security are the primary concerns for residents during the late-night and early-morning hours.

In the local context of South Lakeland, Kendal serves as the primary urban hub, which is reflected in its crime rate of 74.3 per 1,000 people. This is higher than the surrounding smaller settlements like Burneside (31.5) and Natland (35.8). Nearby Oxenholme and Summerlands both report exceptionally low crime rates of 0.0, highlighting the contrast between the town centre and its immediate residential fringes. While Kendal's figures are higher than these very small villages, it remains a safe urban environment compared to many other UK towns of similar size and commercial importance.

With a property crime rate of 21.4 per 1,000 people, Kendal residents face a moderate but persistent risk of theft and burglary. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV, are often limited because they only provide evidence after a crime has occurred. To truly protect your home, a proactive solution is required. scOS offers an AI-powered operating system that transforms your cameras into an intelligent security network. Unlike DIY systems that merely notify you of movement, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to distinguish between your family, a delivery driver, and a genuine threat. By detecting intruders at the property boundary, scOS can activate autonomous responses—such as engaging speakers or lights—to deter criminals before they even attempt a break-in. In Kendal, where burglary and vehicle crime often occur under the cover of darkness, this proactive approach offers the highest level of protection.