Sheerness Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Sheerness, within Swale, paint a picture of an area facing considerable challenges. With a crime rate of 195.6 per 1,000 residents over the period of January 2025 to December 2025, Sheerness demonstrates a significantly higher crime rate than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This elevated level of crime is reflected in a safety score of 54/100, considerably lower than the UK average of 79/100. While a recent downward trend of -9.9% year-on-year offers a glimmer of hope, understanding the specific types of crime and their distribution is crucial for developing effective preventative measures. This page provides a detailed breakdown of these statistics to help residents and visitors better understand the safety landscape of Sheerness.

Sheerness exhibits a concerning crime landscape, particularly driven by a high incidence of violence and sexual offences, which account for 39.3% of all recorded crimes. These are followed by anti-social behaviour (20.3%) and criminal damage and arson (10.6%). Overall property crime, standing at 57.7 per 1,000 residents, demonstrates a significant risk for residents and businesses. Shoplifting contributes noticeably, representing 7.7% of all incidents, while vehicle crime, though lower at 3.4%, remains a concern. The prevalence of these crime types suggests a complex interplay of factors within the area, potentially linked to socio-economic conditions and community dynamics.

Crime rates in Sheerness have been decreasing by 9.9% year-on-year, indicating a positive trend. Monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 shows fluctuations, with the lowest rates observed in February (14.4 per 1,000/month) and October (13.6 per 1,000/month). The highest rates occurred in May (19.0 per 1,000/month) and July (19.4 per 1,000/month). While these monthly variations are typical, the overall downward trend suggests ongoing efforts to reduce crime are having a positive impact, though vigilance remains essential.

How To Keep Safe in Sheerness

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's vital to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when out alone. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and consider walking with a friend or using well-populated routes. Due to the significant levels of anti-social behaviour, reporting any suspicious activity to the police is crucial. Regarding criminal damage and arson, secure your property and belongings, and be mindful of potential fire hazards. Finally, be vigilant about vehicle security, ensuring your vehicle is locked and valuables are out of sight.

Crime in Sheerness exhibits varying patterns throughout the day. Burglary attempts are slightly more frequent in the afternoon (15%) and night (12%), while theft is prominent during commercial hours (37% in the afternoon). Vehicle crime is notably higher during the overnight hours (31%), suggesting a vulnerability during those times. Violence and sexual offences, while less frequent overall, tend to increase in the evening (0% during the day, but present in the evening). These patterns underscore the importance of targeted safety measures throughout the day and night.

Compared to surrounding areas, Sheerness's crime rate stands out. Halfway Houses has a considerably lower rate of 71.3 per 1,000, while Queenborough mirrors Sheerness’s higher crime levels at 175.7 per 1,000. Grain demonstrates a much lower rate of 40.9 per 1,000, and Minster (Swale) sits at 69.5 per 1,000. These comparisons highlight the localised nature of the challenges faced by Sheerness and the potential for targeted interventions to address specific crime hotspots.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide valuable footage after a crime has occurred. However, reading crime statistics is one thing; actively preventing threats is another. scOS offers a proactive approach, utilising AI to detect suspicious activity at your property boundary. Unlike Ring or Nest cameras which simply record, scOS prevents incidents by recognising vehicles with DVLA verification, learning your family’s routines, and activating lights and speakers to deter potential intruders. The 60-second decision point for many burglars is crucial - scOS makes that decision easy for them: they move on. While DIY security systems offer some benefits, scOS’s professional-grade equipment and AI-powered intelligence provide a level of protection far beyond what’s typically achievable with consumer-grade solutions.