Broadstairs Crime Rate

Broadstairs currently holds a high safety score of 82/100, indicating it is a relatively safe urban settlement. The overall crime rate is 75.8 per 1,000 residents, which is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6. This data, covering the period from January 2025 to December 2025, reflects a town with a moderate level of criminal activity, often influenced by its role as a popular coastal destination. The crime trend in Broadstairs is considered stable, with a slight 1.8% decrease year-over-year. For its population of 25,165, these statistics highlight a generally secure environment where crime is less common than in many other urban areas across the country, making it a desirable location for residents.

Crime in Broadstairs

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in Broadstairs, representing 39.2% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 16.7% and criminal damage and arson at 10.8%. The overall property crime rate in Broadstairs is 26.4 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 in the town's safety profile. Shoplifting (10.2%) and 'other theft' (6.1%) are prominent, while criminal damage and arson (10.8%) and vehicle crime (3.9%) also contribute to the total. Burglary, while representing only 1.7% of total crimes, still accounts for 33 incidents annually. Combined, these property offences mean that Broadstairs residents face a statistical risk of property crime that is slightly lower than the national average but remains a key concern for local security. This highlights the importance of consistent home and business protection to mitigate the risk of opportunistic theft and vandalism in the town.

Crime Trends in Broadstairs

The crime rate in Broadstairs is currently stable, with a minor 1.8% decrease in total offences compared to the previous year. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 reveals a distinct seasonal trend, common in coastal towns. The year began with moderate activity, with rates around 5.4 in January and 5.5 in February.

Crime peaked significantly during the summer, reaching a high of 8.5 per 1,000 residents in July, with March, April, and June also showing rates of 7.0 or higher. This aligns with the peak tourism season and the influx of visitors to the town. The rate then declined in the autumn, hitting a low of 4.9 in October, before rising slightly again towards the end of the year. For residents, this pattern suggests that while crime is a persistent issue, the summer months require heightened vigilance and stronger security measures to combat the seasonal increase in activity.

How To Keep Safe in Broadstairs

The most common crime in Broadstairs is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for nearly 40% of all incidents. While many of these are concentrated in specific social settings, personal safety should always be a priority in public spaces.

1. When enjoying Broadstairs' nightlife, stay in well-lit areas and travel in groups whenever possible. Plan your journey home in advance.
2. Be vigilant in busy tourist areas like the seafront and Viking Bay, where high footfall can attract opportunistic 'other theft' and theft from the person.
3. Secure your home with high-quality locks and motion-activated lighting; with criminal damage representing 10.8% of crime, visible security is a strong deterrent.
4. Business owners should implement robust retail security measures to combat the local shoplifting rate, which is a significant factor in the town's crime profile.
5. Report all suspicious activity and anti-social behaviour to the police; community reporting is essential for helping authorities manage resources effectively in a busy town.

Crime in Broadstairs follows a clear temporal cycle, with risks shifting as the day progresses. The morning and afternoon periods are heavily focused on theft-related offences (39-44%), likely targeting unoccupied homes or busy retail spaces. As evening sets in, the focus transitions toward 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and violence-related incidents. Crucially, the night-time hours (12am-6am) see a significant spike in the relative frequency of vehicle crime, which accounts for 34% of all crimes during this period. Burglary also remains a risk overnight at 9%. This data highlights that while theft is a daytime concern, the risk to vehicles and homes is highest overnight, necessitating robust 24-hour property protection.

In the context of the Thanet region, Broadstairs stands out as one of the safer town options. It has a significantly lower crime rate (75.8) than its larger neighbours Ramsgate (139.0) and Margate (125.5). While it is slightly busier than the more rural or residential areas of Cliffs End (68.1) and Minster (59.4), it offers a more secure environment than the other major coastal hubs. For residents and visitors, Broadstairs provides a balance of town amenities with a safety profile that is superior to both the local and national averages.

With a property crime rate of 26.4 per 1,000 and shoplifting accounting for over 10% of local incidents, Broadstairs residents and business owners should consider the value of proactive security. Traditional security systems like standard CCTV are reactive; they provide footage of a crime while it happens, which is useful for evidence but does nothing to prevent the event. In a busy town like Broadstairs, deterrence is the most effective strategy.

scOS provides a proactive solution through AI-driven multi-camera intelligence. Unlike traditional systems, scOS monitors your property's perimeter in real-time and can distinguish between normal activity and suspicious patterns. If a threat is detected—such as someone attempting to bypass a gate or a vehicle with cloned plates—scOS can autonomously respond with lights and audio alerts. This immediate intervention destroys the element of surprise and encourages criminals to move on. For Broadstairs homeowners and business owners, scOS offers a sophisticated level of protection that turns your property into a difficult target, ensuring your security is an active deterrent rather than just a witness.