Thanet Crime Rate

Thanet's crime statistics reflect its status as a busy coastal district with a high volume of seasonal tourism. The area has an overall crime rate of 117.5 per 1,000 people, which is above the UK average of 91.7. This is accompanied by a safety score of 72/100, slightly below the national benchmark of 79. The crime trend in Thanet is currently stable, showing a minor 1.6% decrease year-over-year. While these figures indicate a higher frequency of reported incidents than in more rural areas, they are consistent with many coastal regions of similar size and demographic. The following analysis provides a deeper look into the specific types of crime prevalent in Thanet and how the district compares to its neighbours.

About Thanet

Thanet is a coastal district in Kent, characterised by its famous seaside towns of Margate, Ramsgate, and Broadstairs. The area's crime statistics are significantly influenced by its status as a major tourist destination, which brings a large transient population during the summer months. This influx of visitors often leads to a spike in anti-social behaviour and opportunistic theft in the coastal hubs.

Demographically, Thanet has a diverse population with areas of both significant wealth and economic challenge. The district's economy is heavily reliant on the service and tourism sectors, which can lead to seasonal employment fluctuations. Thanet also serves as a key transport link for the region, with high-speed rail connections to London. These factors, combined with the high density of its urban coastal strip, contribute to the area's overall crime rate and safety score. Understanding Thanet's crime profile requires balancing the quiet nature of its inland villages with the high-intensity activity found in its major seaside resorts.

Crime Breakdown in Thanet

In Thanet, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types, accounting for 7,081 reported incidents or 42.2% of the total crime. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 16.6% and criminal damage and arson at 8.2%. These figures highlight that personal safety and social conduct are the primary areas of concern for the local community and law enforcement.

Property crime in Thanet occurs at a rate of 34.7 per 1,000 people, which is slightly higher than the UK average. This category is comprised of shoplifting (7.7%), other theft (6.2%), vehicle crime (3.3%), and burglary (2.3%). While burglary rates are relatively low at 2.7 per 1,000, the high level of shoplifting and criminal damage suggests that opportunistic offences are a persistent issue, particularly in the district's commercial and tourist areas. For homeowners, the combined impact of criminal damage and theft-related offences means that maintaining robust security is important to protect properties and assets in both urban and suburban settings. The protection of retail businesses is also a key priority for the local economy.

Crime Trends in Thanet

The crime trend in Thanet is remarkably stable, with a year-over-year change of just -1.6%. This indicates that the volume of reported incidents has remained consistent over the past two years. However, looking at the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025, there are clear seasonal variations typical of a tourist destination.

The rate was at its lowest in September 2025 (8.3 per 1,000) and December 2024 (9.1). Conversely, activity peaked during the spring and summer months, reaching a high of 12.3 per 1,000 in July. This pattern suggests that crime in Thanet increases during periods of better weather and higher tourist activity. For residents, this means that while the overall trend is stable, extra care should be taken during the summer months when opportunistic crimes and anti-social behaviour are statistically more likely to occur. Understanding these monthly shifts can help residents better prepare and secure their properties throughout the year.

When comparing Thanet to the wider region, it stands out as a high-activity hub. Its crime rate of 117.5 per 1,000 is significantly higher than its immediate neighbours; Dover, Canterbury, Swale, Folkestone and Hythe, and Ashford all report much lower crime volumes in comparative data. This contrast highlights Thanet's role as a major destination for the region, attracting more people for leisure and tourism, which naturally leads to higher reported crime figures than the surrounding residential and rural districts. Even when compared to other coastal hubs like Southend-on-Sea, Thanet remains the more active area in this specific comparative dataset. For those looking at the region, Thanet offers a vibrant coastal environment with a safety profile that requires consistent awareness.

With a property crime rate of 34.7 per 1,000 people, Thanet residents should prioritise effective home security to protect against burglary and criminal damage. Most traditional security systems are reactive, meaning they only alert you or record footage once a crime has already begun. In a district where anti-social behaviour and criminal damage are relatively common, this reactive approach is often insufficient to prevent damage or loss.

scOS offers a proactive solution by using AI to detect potential threats at the perimeter of your property. Rather than just recording a burglary, scOS is designed to prevent it. The system's multi-camera intelligence watches for suspicious patterns and can autonomously trigger deterrents like lights and alerts to scare off intruders before they can cause damage. For Thanet homeowners, this means moving from simply having evidence of a crime to stopping it from happening in the first place. Investing in professional-grade, proactive protection like scOS is a powerful way to ensure your home stays safe in a high-activity coastal environment.

How To Keep Safe in Thanet

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in Thanet, followed by anti-social behaviour. To stay safe, particularly in the coastal towns after dark, it is important to remain aware of your surroundings and avoid poorly lit or isolated areas.

Stick to well-populated routes and try to travel with others late at night. If you are visiting the coast, use reputable taxi services and be mindful of your personal belongings in crowded public spaces to prevent opportunistic theft. To combat anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, ensure your property's exterior is well-lit and consider joining a local neighbourhood watch group to stay informed about issues in your specific area. Business owners should be particularly vigilant against shoplifting, which is a notable concern in the district's retail hubs. By staying vigilant and taking these practical precautions, you can help ensure your personal safety while enjoying everything Thanet has to offer.