Thanet Crime Rate

Thanet currently holds a safety score of 71/100, indicating that while it is a vibrant coastal district, it faces higher crime challenges than the UK average. The overall crime rate stands at 117.7 per 1,000 residents, which is notably higher than the national average of 91.6. This data, covering the period from January 2025 to December 2025, reflects a busy local authority area with significant criminal activity. However, the crime trend is considered stable, with a slight 1.9% decrease year-over-year. For its population of 142,691, these statistics highlight the importance of community awareness and robust security measures, particularly in the more densely populated urban centres of the district.

About Thanet

Thanet is a unique local authority district located on the north-eastern tip of Kent. It is characterised by its prominent coastal towns, including Margate, Ramsgate, and Broadstairs, which drive much of the area's economic and social activity. The district's crime statistics are influenced by its high population density in urban centres and its status as a major tourism destination, which brings a large transient population during the summer months.

The presence of significant transport hubs, including the Port of Ramsgate, also contributes to the area's activity levels. Economically, Thanet has a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial zones, with some areas facing higher levels of deprivation, which can often correlate with higher crime rates. The nightlife in the coastal towns and the seasonal influx of visitors are factors that influence the frequency of anti-social behaviour and violence. Understanding these characteristics helps provide context for Thanet's crime rate and safety score, as the district balances its role as a vibrant tourist hub with the needs of its large permanent residential population.

Crime in Thanet

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime types in Thanet, accounting for 42.2% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 17.0% and criminal damage and arson at 8.1%. The overall property crime rate in Thanet is 34.2 per 1,000 residents, which includes burglary, shoplifting, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft.

For residents and homeowners, property-related crime is a significant factor, with shoplifting (7.7%) and 'other theft' (6.2%) being particularly prominent. While burglary (2.1%) and vehicle crime (3.1%) represent smaller percentages of the total, their impact on individuals and families is substantial. The high rate of criminal damage and arson also indicates a significant risk to physical property. Combined, these property offences mean that Thanet residents face a higher statistical risk of property crime than the UK average, necessitating robust and proactive security measures for both homes and businesses.

Crime Trends in Thanet

The crime rate in Thanet is currently stable, with a minor 1.9% decrease in total offences compared to the previous year. An analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows a clear seasonal pattern, which is typical for a coastal district. The year began with moderate activity, with rates around 9.0 per 1,000 in January and February.

Activity peaked significantly during the summer months, reaching a high of 12.3 in July, with May, June, and August also showing rates above 10.0. This correlates with the peak tourism season when the district's population increases substantially. The rate then declined in the autumn, hitting a low of 8.3 in September, before rising slightly again towards the end of the year. For residents, this data suggests that while crime is a year-round concern, the summer months require increased vigilance due to the influx of visitors and the resulting rise in criminal activity.

In a regional context, Thanet's crime statistics are significantly higher than its immediate neighbours. Nearby local authority districts such as Dover, Canterbury, Swale, Folkestone and Hythe, and Ashford all reported zero crimes per 1,000 people during this specific data period. While this may reflect differences in reporting or specific local factors, it positions Thanet as the primary area of criminal activity in the region. For those considering the area, it is important to understand that Thanet's role as a major coastal destination and urban hub results in a much more active crime profile than the surrounding, more rural or less densely populated districts.

With a property crime rate of 34.2 per 1,000, Thanet residents and business owners face a tangible risk of theft, burglary, and criminal damage. Traditional security systems—such as standard CCTV cameras—are often reactive. They provide you with a recording of a crime after it has happened, which can be useful for police investigations but does nothing to prevent the initial intrusion or the resulting loss and trauma.

scOS offers a proactive alternative that is particularly suited to higher-activity areas like Thanet. By using AI-driven multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property's perimeter in real-time. It can distinguish between normal activity and suspicious patterns, such as someone loitering near your boundary or a vehicle with cloned plates. If a threat is detected, scOS can autonomously trigger lights and audio deterrents, stopping the crime before it begins. This proactive stance destroys the element of surprise and encourages opportunistic criminals to move on to easier targets. For those in Thanet who want the highest level of protection, scOS ensures your security is an active deterrent, not just a silent witness.

How To Keep Safe in Thanet

The most common crime in Thanet is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for over 42% of all incidents. While many of these occur in specific social contexts, maintaining personal awareness in public spaces is a key safety strategy for all residents.

1. When enjoying the nightlife in towns like Margate and Ramsgate, stay with friends and plan your journey home in advance using reputable taxi services.
2. Be aware of your surroundings in busy tourist areas, as high footfall can attract opportunistic 'other theft' and theft from the person.
3. Secure your home with robust physical security; with criminal damage and arson representing 8.1% of crime, well-maintained boundaries and motion lighting are essential.
4. Business owners should implement strong retail security measures to combat the local shoplifting rate, which is a significant factor in the district's crime profile.
5. Participate in community safety initiatives and report all suspicious activity to the police; collective vigilance is vital for improving safety across the local authority area.