Swale Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Swale

Swale records an overall crime rate of 104.3 crimes per 1,000 residents annually, positioning it slightly above the UK national average of 93.4 per 1,000. This translates to a safety score of 75 out of 100, indicating a relatively safe environment compared to many areas, though just below the UK average safety score of 78. Over the past year, the crime rate in Swale has remained stable, with a marginal increase of 0.4%. This section provides a comprehensive overview of crime data within Swale, offering insights into specific crime types, temporal patterns, and comparisons with neighbouring regions to give a clearer picture of local safety.

About Swale

Swale, a local authority district in Kent, encompasses a mix of urban centres like Sittingbourne and Faversham, alongside significant rural and coastal areas. Its diverse geography, including the Isle of Sheppey, contributes to varied crime statistics across the district. The presence of major transport links, particularly the A2 road, and its coastal location can influence certain crime types. Population density varies, with market towns acting as local hubs for commerce and social activities. While Swale is primarily residential, the seasonal influx of tourists to coastal areas can also play a role in crime patterns, particularly concerning theft and anti-social behaviour. The area's economic profile, with a blend of agricultural, industrial, and service sectors, also provides a backdrop to understanding local crime dynamics.

Crime Type Analysis in Swale

An in-depth look at crime in Swale reveals that Violence and sexual offences constitute the most prevalent category, accounting for 6,413 incidents or 38.8% of all crimes, at a rate of 40.5 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by Anti-social behaviour, with 3,155 reported incidents (19.1% of the total, 19.9 per 1,000), and Criminal damage and arson, which saw 1,600 occurrences (9.7% of the total, 10.1 per 1,000). These three categories together form a significant portion of the overall crime landscape in the district.

When considering property-related crime, which includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, Swale experiences a rate of 32.9 per 1,000 residents. This figure is slightly below the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000, suggesting that while property crime is present, it is broadly in line with national trends. Specifically, burglary accounts for 2.8 per 1,000 residents, vehicle crime for 4.0 per 1,000, and other theft for 5.9 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, these statistics highlight the importance of general vigilance and robust security measures to protect their properties and belongings against a range of opportunistic and targeted offences.

Crime Trends in Swale

The crime trend in Swale has shown a stable pattern over the last year, with a minimal increase of 0.4% year-over-year. This indicates that while the overall number of crimes has not significantly risen or fallen, the situation remains largely consistent. Looking at the monthly trend data, crime rates per 1,000 residents fluctuated throughout the year. For instance, October 2024 saw a rate of 9.1, which decreased to 7.7 by December 2024, before rising again to 9.4 in March 2025. A notable peak occurred in July 2025, reaching 10.5 crimes per 1,000, followed by a decrease to 7.5 in September 2025. These monthly variations suggest seasonal or periodic influences on crime, with some months experiencing higher activity than others. For residents, a stable trend means that the general level of risk has not changed dramatically, but awareness of these monthly fluctuations can be beneficial for understanding local safety dynamics.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, Swale's crime statistics can be compared with several nearby areas. Swale's overall crime rate of 104.3 per 1,000 is higher than Maidstone, which typically has a lower rate, but comparable to or slightly lower than Medway, which often experiences higher crime levels due to its larger urban centres. When looking at Ashford and Canterbury, Swale's rate is generally a little higher, reflecting different demographic and urban characteristics. Compared to Southend-on-Sea, a larger coastal town, Swale's crime rate is often lower, particularly in areas like property crime. Gravesham, another urban area, may show similar or slightly higher crime rates. These comparisons highlight that while Swale's crime rate is above the national average, its position within the regional landscape varies, offering a mixed picture for those considering the area.

Protecting Your Property in Swale

Given Swale's property crime rate of 32.9 per 1,000 residents, which is broadly in line with the UK average, proactive home security measures are a prudent consideration for all homeowners and residents. Traditional security solutions, such as basic CCTV cameras, often only provide footage after a burglary has occurred, acting as a reactive recording tool rather than a preventative one. For true peace of mind and effective protection against property crime, a shift towards proactive prevention is essential.

Modern AI-powered home security operating systems like scOS are designed to prevent crime before it happens. Instead of merely recording an incident, scOS detects threats at your property boundary using multi-camera intelligence, ensuring no blind spots. Features such as DVLA vehicle verification can instantly identify suspicious vehicles with fake plates, while pattern learning distinguishes between family, deliveries, and genuine threats, only alerting you when necessary. This autonomous response, activating lights and engaging speakers, aims to destroy the element of surprise that burglars rely on, making them move on before a break-in can even be attempted. While DIY systems offer some level of notification after an event, professional-grade systems like scOS provide a significant deterrent, making the critical 60-second decision for potential burglars an easy one: move on. Investing in such professional security goes beyond just recording crime; it actively stops threats at your property line.