Minster (Swale) Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Minster (Swale)

Minster (Swale) records an overall crime rate of 69.2 crimes per 1,000 residents annually, positioning it significantly below the UK national average of 93.4 per 1,000. This translates to an excellent safety score of 84 out of 100, indicating a very safe environment compared to the UK average safety score of 78. Over the past year, however, Minster (Swale) has experienced an increasing crime trend, with a 10.0% rise year-over-year. This section provides a detailed breakdown of crime data within Minster (Swale), offering insights into specific crime types, hourly and daily patterns, and comparisons with neighbouring areas for a comprehensive understanding of local safety.

Crime Type Analysis in Minster (Swale)

In Minster (Swale), the most prevalent crime types are Violence and sexual offences, accounting for 524 incidents or 39.7% of all crimes, at a rate of 27.4 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour follows with 312 reported incidents (23.6% of the total, 16.3 per 1,000), and Criminal damage and arson is the third most common, with 134 occurrences (10.1% of the total, 7.0 per 1,000). These three categories represent a significant proportion of the criminal activity in the area.

Property-related crime in Minster (Swale), encompassing burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at a rate of 18.4 per 1,000 residents. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Specifically, burglary accounts for 1.8 per 1,000 residents, vehicle crime for 2.7 per 1,000, and other theft for 4.7 per 1,000. These statistics, while lower than the national average, still highlight the importance for residents and homeowners to implement strong security measures to protect their properties and valuables against these common offences.

Crime Trends in Minster (Swale)

Minster (Swale) has experienced an increasing crime trend over the last year, with a notable rise of 10.0% year-over-year. This indicates an upward shift in the overall crime rate within the area, despite its generally low crime rate. Analysing the monthly trend data reveals fluctuations throughout the year. The crime rate per 1,000 residents was 6.0 in October 2024, dipping to 4.3 by November 2024, before rising to 7.0 in March 2025. The rates remained relatively stable around 6.3-6.9 during spring and summer, before declining to 4.6 in September 2025. These monthly shifts, combined with the overall year-on-year increase, suggest a need for residents to be vigilant and consider security measures.

Time Patterns of Crime in Minster (Swale)

Crime patterns in Minster (Swale) show shifts throughout the day. The morning hours (6am-12pm) are characterised by a significant proportion of theft and 'other' crimes, with some vehicle and burglary incidents. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft and 'other' crimes continue to dominate, with a noticeable increase in burglary, possibly targeting properties during working hours. The evening period (6pm-12am) sees 'other' crimes becoming even more prevalent, while theft and vehicle crime remain present. During the night (12am-6am), vehicle crime and 'other' offences become particularly significant, alongside consistent burglary activity, suggesting opportunistic crimes under the cover of darkness.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When comparing Minster (Swale)'s crime statistics with nearby areas, it provides valuable regional context. Minster (Swale)'s overall crime rate of 69.2 per 1,000 is significantly lower than Halfway Houses and Sheerness, which typically experience higher crime levels due to their more urban characteristics. Compared to Queenborough, Minster (Swale) also registers a much lower crime rate. Even against Eastchurch, Minster (Swale) maintains a lower crime rate. These comparisons highlight Minster (Swale) as a comparatively safer area within the immediate vicinity, despite its recent increase in crime.

Protecting Your Property in Minster (Swale)

With Minster (Swale)'s property crime rate at 18.4 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national average, it is still prudent for homeowners and residents to consider robust security measures. While the rates are favourable, relying solely on reactive security, such as traditional CCTV cameras that merely record a burglary after it has occurred, offers limited protection. The focus should shift towards proactive solutions that prevent crime from happening in the first place.

AI-powered home security operating systems like scOS offer a significant advancement in property protection. Unlike systems that notify you after an incident, scOS proactively detects threats at your property boundary using multi-camera intelligence, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Features such as DVLA vehicle verification and pattern learning allow the system to differentiate between known individuals and real threats, initiating an autonomous response that includes activating lights and engaging speakers. This immediate deterrence is designed to destroy the element of surprise for potential burglars, making them reconsider within the critical 60 seconds they often take to decide. Choosing professional-grade security like scOS means actively stopping threats at your property line, rather than just documenting them.