Leysdown-on-Sea Crime Rate

Leysdown-on-Sea has a safety score of 44/100, which is significantly below the UK average of 79. The area's overall crime rate is very high at 226.4 per 1,000 people, more than double the national average of 91.7. Furthermore, crime has increased by 8.6% over the last 12 months. These high figures are heavily influenced by the area's seasonal tourism, with crime rates spiking dramatically during the summer months. This report provides a detailed analysis of Leysdown-on-Sea's safety landscape, including the top crime types and temporal patterns, helping residents and property owners understand the unique security challenges of this coastal settlement.

Crime Breakdown in Leysdown-on-Sea

Leysdown-on-Sea has a high crime rate, primarily driven by violence and sexual offences, which account for 206 recorded incidents, or 45.1% of all crime. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common category at 17.9%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 11.6%. The high volume of these offences reflects the area's nature as a popular seasonal tourist destination.

Property-related crime in Leysdown-on-Sea—including burglary, theft, and vehicle crime—occurs at a rate of 58.0 per 1,000 people. This is significantly higher than the UK average of 32.3. Vehicle crime is a notable concern, representing 5.9% of total crime, while burglary accounts for 1.3%. Other theft (5.7%) and criminal damage (11.6%) also contribute heavily to the property crime rate. For residents and holiday park owners, these figures indicate a high risk of opportunistic theft and vandalism, particularly during the peak visitor seasons. Robust security measures are essential to protect properties that may be left unattended for periods of time.

Crime Trends in Leysdown-on-Sea

The latest data for Leysdown-on-Sea shows an 8.6% increase in total crime compared to the previous 12-month period. Analysis of the monthly trend data reveals a highly seasonal pattern. The year began with relatively low crime rates in the winter, with a low of 8.4 recorded in February 2025.

However, as the tourist season approached, crime rates spiked dramatically. A peak of 22.8 was recorded in May, followed by an even more significant surge in the summer, reaching a high of 37.2 in July and 35.2 in August 2025. Since then, the crime rate has declined as the season ended, returning to 12.9 per 1,000 by November. This extreme seasonal variation is a defining feature of the area's safety profile. For residents and business owners, this highlights the need for increased security measures during the spring and summer months to combat the influx of opportunistic crime.

How To Keep Safe in Leysdown-on-Sea

The most common crimes in Leysdown-on-Sea are violence and sexual offences (45.1%) and anti-social behaviour (17.9%). The high volume of these reports, especially during the summer, suggests that personal safety and property protection require constant attention.

To stay safe in Leysdown-on-Sea, consider these tips:

• During the peak summer season, be extra vigilant in crowded public areas and holiday parks where opportunistic crime is more likely.
• Vehicle crime is a major concern, particularly at night (39% of night-time crime). Always ensure your vehicle is parked in a secure, well-lit area and that no valuables are left inside.
• For property owners, 'criminal damage' is a high risk (11.6%). Secure your property's perimeter with robust fencing and consider motion-activated security lighting to discourage vandals.
• If you own a holiday home that is left unoccupied, ensure it is properly secured with high-quality locks and consider a proactive monitoring system to alert you to any issues in real-time.
• Be mindful of 'other theft' by keeping bicycles, garden equipment, and personal belongings securely locked away when not in use.

Leysdown-on-Sea's crime patterns show a distinct shift between day and night. The morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm) are the busiest periods for theft-related offences, accounting for over 38% and 45% of incidents respectively. This aligns with the high footfall of visitors and the operation of local businesses.

In the evening (6pm - 12am), the crime mix changes significantly. Theft drops to 15%, while 'other' crimes—predominantly anti-social behaviour and criminal damage—surge to 63%. The night-time period (12am - 6am) carries the highest relative risk for vehicle owners; vehicle crime jumps to 39% of all recorded incidents during these hours, its highest proportional peak of the day. Burglary also reaches its highest share at night and in the afternoon (8%), indicating that properties are most vulnerable when unoccupied during the day or under the cover of darkness. This temporal data highlights the need for constant, 24-hour security monitoring in the area.

In the regional context, Leysdown-on-Sea is the most active crime area on the Isle of Sheppey. Its rate of 226.4 per 1,000 is more than double that of nearby Eastchurch (103.7) and vastly higher than Warden (54.0) and Minster (69.6). While the small hamlet of Mud Row recorded no crimes, Leysdown's high rate is characteristic of its high-density holiday parks and seasonal visitor influx. For those looking for a quieter, more secure environment, the nearby villages of Warden or Minster offer a significantly lower statistical risk while remaining close to the coast.

With a high property crime rate of 58.0 per 1,000, Leysdown-on-Sea property owners face a significant security challenge. Traditional CCTV systems like Ring or Nest are primarily reactive; they record footage of a crime that has already occurred. In a high-activity area like Leysdown, proactive protection is essential. scOS uses AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to detect threats at your property's boundary before an intruder can gain access. The system doesn't just record; it intervenes. By using autonomous responses such as activating high-intensity lights or audible warnings, scOS destroys the element of surprise that burglars and vandals rely on. For holiday home owners concerned about vehicle crime or criminal damage while they are away, scOS offers professional-grade boundary monitoring that traditional DIY systems cannot match. In an area with these statistics, stopping a crime before it happens is far more valuable than having a video of it later. prioritising prevention is the most effective way to lower your risk.