Minster (Swale) Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Minster (Swale), covering the period from January 2025 to December 2025, indicate a crime rate of 69.5 per 1,000 residents. This figure is lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, and reflects a relatively safer environment compared to the national picture. While the area benefits from a higher safety score of 84 out of 100, compared to the UK average of 79, the prevalence of certain crime types, particularly violence and sexual offences, warrants attention. The overall trend has remained stable year-on-year, with a slight decrease of 3.7% observed. Understanding these statistics is vital for residents and local authorities to address potential concerns and enhance community safety.

The most recent crime statistics for Minster (Swale), covering January 2025 to December 2025, reveal a complex picture of criminal activity. Violence and sexual offences represent the most significant concern, accounting for 38.5% of all recorded crimes (511 incidents). These offences are followed by anti-social behaviour (25.0%, 332 incidents) and criminal damage and arson (10.1%, 134 incidents). Overall property crime, at 17.5 per 1,000 residents, is lower than the UK average. However, the prevalence of violence and sexual offences warrants further investigation into potential contributing factors within the local community. The lower property crime rate may reflect a combination of factors including community vigilance and the characteristics of the area’s housing stock.

Crime rates in Minster (Swale) have demonstrated a stable trend between January 2025 and December 2025, showing a slight decrease of 3.7% year-on-year. While January and February saw a rate of approximately 4.9 crimes per 1,000 residents per month, a peak of 7.0 per 1,000 was observed in March. A period of relative stability followed, with rates fluctuating between 6.3 and 6.4 per 1,000 during June to August. A notable dip occurred in September (4.6 per 1,000), followed by a gradual increase in October and November (5.2 and 5.5 per 1,000 respectively). December concluded with a rate of 5.1 per 1,000, suggesting a return to the earlier pattern. This stability, while reassuring, underscores the need for continued vigilance and targeted crime prevention strategies.

How To Keep Safe in Minster (Swale)

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences in Minster (Swale), it's crucial to prioritise personal safety. Firstly, be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Secondly, report any suspicious activity to the police promptly. Thirdly, consider joining or forming a neighbourhood watch scheme to foster a sense of community and collective responsibility. Finally, ensure your home is well-lit and secure, and consider investing in a reliable alarm system, as burglary, while less frequent than other crimes, remains a concern.

Criminal activity in Minster (Swale) demonstrates a varied pattern throughout the day. During the morning (6am - 12pm), theft and vehicle crime are more prevalent, with 44% of theft incidents and 12% of vehicle crimes occurring. The afternoon (12pm - 6pm) sees theft remain a concern, accounting for 49% of incidents, while other crime rises to 34%. The evening (6pm - 12am) shows a shift, with 59% of ‘other’ crimes occurring. Finally, during the night (12am - 6am), vehicle crime peaks at 33%, while ‘other’ crimes account for 43%. This distribution highlights the importance of varying security measures throughout the day and night.

Minster (Swale)'s crime rate of 69.5 per 1,000 residents places it within a mixed context when compared to nearby areas. Halfway Houses has a slightly higher rate of 71.3 per 1,000, while Sheerness and Queenborough experience significantly higher rates at 195.6 and 175.7 per 1,000 respectively. Eastchurch also has a higher crime rate of 101.2 per 1,000. These variations highlight the localised nature of crime and the importance of understanding the specific challenges faced by each community.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide footage after a burglary has occurred. The right security system, however, can prevent it from happening in the first place. Consider scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system that detects threats at your property boundary before they escalate. Unlike Ring or Nest cameras, scOS doesn't just record; it actively watches all cameras simultaneously, utilising DVLA vehicle verification to identify suspicious vehicles and learning your family’s routines to distinguish genuine activity from potential threats. The visible presence of scOS – with its multi-camera intelligence and autonomous response (lights activating, speakers engaging) – creates a powerful deterrent, often causing potential burglars to reconsider within that crucial 60-second window. For proactive property protection in an area like Minster (Swale), where crime rates are a consideration, this represents a significant upgrade over traditional security measures.