Teynham Crime Rate

Teynham's crime profile is defined by a sharp rise in burglary (+171% YoY) and an elevated rate of 'Other crime' (68% above UK average). While the area's overall crime rate of 77.2 per 1,000 is 15% below the UK average, the sudden increase in property crime and the unusual prevalence of unclassified offences highlight the need for targeted local solutions. These trends contrast with lower-than-average rates of theft and vehicle crime, suggesting a combination of factors influencing Teynham's security landscape.

Teynham is a built-up area within Swale, characterised by its proximity to the Thames Estuary and a mix of residential and commercial properties. As a commuter town with access to nearby urban centres, it experiences a blend of local and transient populations. This dynamic may contribute to higher rates of certain crimes, particularly those linked to temporary residents or increased foot traffic during peak hours.

The most striking finding in Teynham's crime profile is the 68% increase in 'Other crime' compared to the UK average (3.4 vs 2.0 per 1,000). This category, which includes unclassified incidents, may reflect the area's unique mix of residential and commercial land use, where transient populations or unmonitored spaces create opportunities for opportunistic offences. 'Criminal damage and arson' is also elevated (32% above UK average), likely tied to the area's coastal location, where vandalism or arson could be more prevalent in isolated or poorly lit areas. Conversely, 'shoplifting' and 'vehicle crime' are significantly below the UK average, suggesting that retail and parking infrastructure may be well-managed. The sharp rise in burglary (+171% YoY) is particularly concerning, linked to seasonal patterns or increased vacant properties during the winter months.

Crime in Teynham has increased by 19.9% year-on-year, with burglary rising sharply by 171.4% (from 1.4 to 3.8 per 1,000). This surge aligns with the peak in January 2026 (10.5 per 1,000/month), suggesting seasonal factors or changes in local dynamics. While 'Other crime' has increased by 54.5% YoY, 'Criminal damage and arson' has fallen by 8.3% despite remaining 32% above the UK average. The rise in anti-social behaviour (+97.2% YoY) and other theft (+36.8% YoY) indicates a combination of factors, including increased transient populations and potential gaps in community oversight.

How To Keep Safe in Teynham

Given Teynham's 68% increase in 'Other crime', consider securing unmonitored areas of your property, such as sheds or garages, with motion-activated lights. For the 32% above-average rate of criminal damage and arson, avoid leaving valuables in vehicles during the evening (56% of such incidents occur between 6pm-12am). Residents should also be mindful of the sharp rise in burglary (+171% YoY), which peaks at night (23% of incidents between 12am-6am). Community engagement, such as reporting suspicious activity through local Neighbourhood Watch schemes, could help address the unusual surge in 'Other crime' linked to transient populations.

Crime in Teynham follows distinct temporal patterns. Vehicle crime peaks at night (27% of incidents between 12am-6am), likely due to isolated parking areas or reduced street lighting in residential zones. 'Other crime' is most prevalent in the evening (56% of incidents between 6pm-12am), possibly reflecting late-night activity in local amenities or transient populations. Theft and burglary, however, are more common in the afternoon (41% and 21% respectively), aligning with periods of heightened visibility and potential target opportunities. These patterns suggest that targeted security measures—such as motion-activated lighting in high-risk areas and increased patrols during peak theft hours—could be particularly effective.

Compared to nearby areas, Teynham's crime rate is 113% lower than Broadoak (36.3 per 1,000) but 32% lower than Sittingbourne (102.1 per 1,000). Broadoak's much lower rate likely reflects its more rural character and smaller population, while Sittingbourne's higher crime rate may be linked to its larger urban footprint and greater economic activity. These differences underscore how geography and population density shape local crime profiles.

For Teynham residents facing a 68% increase in 'Other crime', proactive home security is essential, scOS's AI-powered boundary monitoring detects threats before they reach your property, using continuous camera surveillance and automated lighting to deter intruders. Its vehicle registration verification feature could help address the 171% YoY rise in burglary by flagging suspicious vehicles. Given Teynham's elevated 'Other crime' rate, this system's ability to distinguish between legitimate and threatening activity—such as identifying unfamiliar vehicles near homes—makes it a practical solution for reducing perceived opportunity.