Broadoak Crime Rate

Broadoak is an exceptionally secure settlement, boasting a high safety score of 89/100, which is significantly better than the UK average of 79. Its overall crime rate stands at 48.6 per 1,000 people, which is nearly half the national average of 91.7. Furthermore, the area has seen a positive trend with an 8.5% decrease in recorded crime over the last 12 months. These figures highlight Broadoak as one of the safest locations in the Swale region, providing residents with a high degree of security. This report provides a deeper look into the specific types and patterns of crime in the area, helping homeowners and residents understand the local safety landscape.

Crime Breakdown in Broadoak

Broadoak's crime profile is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 25 recorded incidents, or 33.3% of all crime. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common category at 25.3%, followed by other theft and burglary, both representing 10.7% of the total reported offences.

Property-related crime in Broadoak—encompassing burglary, theft, and vehicle crime—occurs at a rate of 16.2 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.3. However, burglary is more prominent here than in many neighbouring areas, accounting for 10.7% of total crime. Vehicle crime is also a factor at 8.0%. For residents, these figures suggest that while the overall crime rate is low, the risk of property intrusion and vehicle theft is relatively higher compared to other crime types. This highlights the importance of robust home and vehicle security measures for local homeowners to maintain the area's generally safe environment.

Crime Trends in Broadoak

Analysis of the latest 12-month data for Broadoak shows a downward trend, with total crime decreasing by 8.5%. The crime rate per 1,000 people started at 3.2 in December 2024 and saw a peak of 7.8 in February 2025.

Following this early peak, the crime rate generally declined and remained stable throughout the rest of the year. Most months recorded rates between 1.3 and 3.9 per 1,000, finishing the period at 3.9 in November 2025. This suggests that the initial spike in February was an anomaly and that the overall trend is one of improved safety. For residents, this annual reduction is a positive sign, indicating that Broadoak remains a stable and secure community. The consistency of these low figures reinforces the village's reputation as a safe place to live.

How To Keep Safe in Broadoak

The most common crimes in Broadoak are violence and sexual offences (33.3%) and anti-social behaviour (25.3%). However, the relatively high proportion of burglary and vehicle crime means that property security should be a priority for residents.

To stay safe in Broadoak, consider these practical steps:

• Burglary is a notable concern, especially during the afternoon, evening, and night when it accounts for over 35% of incidents. Ensure your home is well-secured with high-quality locks and consider visible deterrents like security cameras or alarms.
• Vehicle crime is most prevalent at night (47% of night-time crime). Always park in a secure, well-lit driveway or garage, and never leave valuables on display in your car.
• For anti-social behaviour, ensure your property's perimeter is well-defined with secure fencing and gates to discourage opportunistic trespassing.
• Keep garden tools, bicycles, and outdoor equipment securely locked away in a shed or garage, as 'other theft' is a top crime category.
• Engaging with local community groups can help you stay informed about any rare but specific safety concerns in the village and improve collective security.

Crime in Broadoak shows a clear temporal cycle. The morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm) are dominated by theft-related offences, which account for over 46% and 49% of incidents respectively. This suggests that opportunistic theft is most prevalent during the hours of highest daytime activity.

As the day moves into the evening (6pm - 12am), there is a significant shift. Theft drops to 21%, while burglary and vehicle crime surge, accounting for 36% and 24% of incidents respectively. The night-time period (12am - 6am) is particularly notable for vehicle owners; vehicle crime jumps to 47% of all recorded incidents during these hours, its highest proportional peak of the day. Burglary also remains very high at night (35%). This temporal data indicates that property and vehicle security are most vulnerable during the evening and early morning hours when the village is quietest, requiring robust 24-hour protection.

In the local context, Broadoak is a very secure residential option. Its crime rate of 48.6 per 1,000 is significantly lower than the major hub of Sittingbourne (101.0). While very small hamlets like Highsted, Bredgar, and Borden recorded no crimes, Broadoak remains an exceptionally safe choice for a built-up area. It sits as a peaceful residential alternative to the busier urban centres in Swale, offering a high standard of safety that is consistent with its village character. For those seeking a secure community with local connectivity, Broadoak offers a balanced and attractive safety profile.

While Broadoak enjoys a low overall crime rate, the fact that burglary (10.7%) and vehicle crime (8.0%) are among the top offences suggests that property owners should focus on proactive security. Traditional CCTV systems like Ring or Nest are reactive; they only record footage of a crime that has already occurred. For a village like Broadoak, scOS offers a more effective solution. By using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence, scOS detects potential threats at the boundary of your property, not after a window has been broken or a car door opened. The system can distinguish between residents and strangers, and its autonomous response—such as activating security lights or audible warnings—is designed to stop a crime before it happens. For residents concerned about the high proportion of burglary and vehicle crime at night, scOS’s ability to monitor driveways and verify vehicle plates provides a professional-grade layer of protection that standard DIY systems simply cannot match. prioritising prevention is the key to maintaining your home's security.