Upchurch Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Upchurch, Swale, indicate a crime rate of 34.2 per 1,000 residents over the period from January 2025 to December 2025. This rate is considerably higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000 residents, highlighting a local safety concern. The most common reported crimes include violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and vehicle crime. While a decreasing trend of -24.6% year-on-year has been observed, understanding the specifics of these incidents and the factors contributing to them is crucial for maintaining community safety and ensuring residents feel secure. Data from January 2025 to December 2025 indicates fluctuations throughout the year.

The most recent data for Upchurch, Swale, reveals a concerning pattern of crime types. Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 56.5% of recorded incidents, with 26 reported crimes. This is followed by anti-social behaviour (10.9%), criminal damage and arson (6.5%), and vehicle crime (6.5%). Shoplifting and public order offences also contribute to the overall crime statistics. The breakdown highlights potential areas of concern within the community, and further investigation may be required to understand the underlying causes and implement targeted preventative measures. While these figures represent specific incidents, they are crucial for understanding the challenges faced by residents and informing community safety initiatives.

Crime rates in Upchurch have demonstrated a positive downward trend, decreasing by 24.6% year-on-year. This improvement is reflected in the monthly data, which shows a significant drop in incidents from January 2025 (0.7 per 1,000) to December 2025 (2.2 per 1,000). While the initial months of 2025 saw fluctuations, with a peak in March 2025 (6.0 per 1,000), the overall trend indicates a welcome reduction in criminal activity. Continued vigilance and proactive community initiatives are essential to sustain this positive trajectory.

How To Keep Safe in Upchurch

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, be mindful of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Vehicle crime is also a concern, so always lock your vehicle and remove valuables from view. Consider joining or forming a Neighbourhood Watch scheme to foster community vigilance and share information about suspicious activity. Report any instances of anti-social behaviour to the authorities promptly. Finally, be aware of your home's security; ensure doors and windows are locked, and consider installing security lighting.

Crime patterns in Upchurch vary throughout the day. Burglary is infrequent regardless of the time of day. Theft is most common during commercial hours in the afternoon, while vehicle crime is predominantly concentrated during the overnight hours (12am - 6am). A significant portion of 'other' crimes and vehicle crimes also occur during the evening hours (6pm-12am). Violence tends to peak during the late evening and early morning, particularly on weekends.

Comparing Upchurch’s crime rate to its neighbours reveals a varied picture. Ham Green and Hartlip demonstrate exceptionally low crime rates at 0.0 per 1,000, offering a stark contrast. Lower Halstow, however, exhibits a significantly higher rate of 80.6 per 1,000, highlighting a disparity within the Swale district. Newington also has a higher rate at 68.2 per 1,000. These comparisons underscore the localised nature of crime and the importance of tailored safety measures for each community.

Traditional CCTV systems offer a reactive approach – they record crime after it has occurred. Reading crime statistics, such as the prevalence of vehicle crime in Upchurch, should prompt consideration of proactive security measures. scOS offers a fundamentally different approach. Its AI-powered system detects threats at the property boundary, utilising multi-camera intelligence and DVLA vehicle verification to instantly identify suspicious activity. The system learns your family’s routines and deliveries, only alerting you to genuine threats. The visible presence of scOS acts as a powerful deterrent, often causing potential intruders to move on within seconds – the crucial window of opportunity for them to decide whether to proceed. For residents of Upchurch seeking real protection, considering a proactive system like scOS can be a worthwhile investment.