Swale Crime Rate

Swale Crime Statistics

Swale is a diverse local authority in Kent with a safety score of 76/100, which is slightly below the UK average of 79. The overall crime rate in the borough is 102.9 per 1,000 residents, higher than the national average of 91.7. However, property crime is almost exactly in line with the national picture, with a rate of 32.0 per 1,000, compared to the UK average of 32.3. With a population of 158,379, the borough encompasses several busy towns and coastal areas. The crime trend is currently stable, showing a minor 1.1% decrease year-over-year. While the area faces challenges with violence and anti-social behaviour, its property crime levels remain typical for the UK. The following breakdown provides detailed insights into local crime types and patterns to help you stay informed and protected.

About Swale

Swale is a diverse local authority in Kent, encompassing the towns of Sittingbourne and Faversham, along with the Isle of Sheppey. The area's crime statistics are influenced by its mix of urban centres, industrial areas, and coastal communities. Sittingbourne is a major industrial and commercial hub, while Faversham is a historic market town with a busy centre. The Isle of Sheppey includes popular seaside resorts and industrial ports, which can experience fluctuations in crime related to tourism and seasonal populations. Economically, Swale has a strong manufacturing and logistics sector, but it also faces challenges related to deprivation in certain areas. These socio-economic factors, combined with the presence of busy transport links and a transient visitor population in coastal areas, contribute to the borough's overall crime rate. Understanding these characteristics helps explain the local crime profile and safety score.

Crime in Swale

In Swale, the most common crimes are violence and sexual offences, which account for 38.7% of all recorded incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (19.6%) and criminal damage and arson (9.7%). When examining property crime collectively—including burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts—the rate is 32.0 per 1,000 residents. This is almost identical to the UK average of 32.3, indicating that the borough experiences property crime at a typical national level. Shoplifting is also a significant contributor to the local crime profile, accounting for 8.0% of all offences. For residents and homeowners, this means that protecting property from theft and damage is a key priority. The prominence of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage reflects the challenges faced in the borough's urban and coastal centres. Standard security measures are essential to mitigate these risks.

Swale Crime Trends

The crime trend in Swale is currently stable, with a minor 1.1% decrease in total offences compared to the previous year. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 reveals a fluctuating pattern, with crime rates per 1,000 residents ranging from 7.2 to 10.5. The year began with a rate of 7.7 in December 2024 and saw a significant peak in July 2025, reaching 10.5. This was followed by a return to more typical levels, with November 2025 recording a rate of 8.2. This consistency suggests that the borough is not experiencing major shifts in its crime profile, and the slight downward trend is an encouraging indicator for long-term safety and security. Residents can feel confident in the ongoing stability of their local area.

Local Context: Comparing Swale

In the context of the surrounding region, Swale's crime rate of 102.9 per 1,000 residents is higher than many of its neighbours. Nearby local authorities such as Maidstone, Medway, Ashford, Canterbury, Southend-on-Sea, and Gravesham all recorded significantly lower crime rates during this period. This data positions Swale as one of the more active areas in Kent and the surrounding region. While this may be influenced by its diverse mix of urban, industrial, and coastal communities, it highlights the importance of awareness and proactive security for residents. For those considering the region, Swale offers a more active environment compared to some of its quieter neighbouring boroughs.

Protecting Your Swale Property

In Swale, where property crime is in line with the national average at 32.0 per 1,000, but violence and anti-social behaviour are more prevalent, proactive security is a wise investment. Traditional security systems often rely on recording a crime as it happens, which provides little comfort once your property has been entered or damaged. For Swale homeowners, scOS offers a more advanced, preventative solution. This AI-powered security operating system monitors your property boundaries in real-time, detecting potential threats before they can escalate. By using multi-camera intelligence and autonomous responses—such as activating high-intensity lighting or audio warnings—scOS can deter a potential intruder or vandal in the critical moments before a crime is committed. Given the high levels of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in the borough, having a system that actively watches and defends your home boundary is essential. Investing in proactive AI protection ensures that your home is not just monitored, but actively defended, deterring criminals before they even attempt to strike.

How To Keep Safe in Swale

The most common crime type in Swale is violence and sexual offences, followed by anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson. To maintain your safety and protect your property in the borough, consider the following advice:

• When visiting busy town centres or coastal areas, stay aware of your surroundings and keep personal belongings secure.
• In areas with active nightlife or high visitor numbers, stick to well-lit routes and try to walk with friends rather than alone.
• Given the rate of criminal damage, ensure your home and vehicles are properly secured, and consider using motion-activated lighting to deter vandals.
• Report any instances of anti-social behaviour or suspicious activity to the local police to help them address recurring issues in the community.
• Consider joining a local neighbourhood watch group to stay connected with your neighbours and share information about any emerging safety concerns in your area.