Broadstairs Crime Rate

Broadstairs is a safe coastal town with an overall crime rate of 77.4 per 1,000 people, which is comfortably below the UK average of 91.7. This results in a safety score of 82/100, outperforming the national benchmark of 79/100. The crime trend in the area is currently stable, with only a minor 2.3% increase year-over-year. This data, spanning from December 2024 to November 2025, suggests a consistent safety profile for the town. While Broadstairs remains safer than many of its neighbours in the Thanet local authority, understanding the local crime breakdown is still essential for residents. The following sections provide detailed insights into the types of crime reported, temporal patterns, and advice for maintaining personal and property security.

Crime in Broadstairs

Analysis of crime in Broadstairs shows that violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime type, with 754 reported incidents, making up 38.7% of the total. Anti-social behaviour follows at 15.9%, with criminal damage and arson ranking third at 10.9%. These three categories represent the majority of local reports, reflecting a mix of interpersonal issues and community-level disturbances.

The property crime rate in Broadstairs—which includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—is 27.6 per 1,000 people. This is notably lower than the UK average of 32.3. Within this category, criminal damage and arson (8.5 per 1,000) and shoplifting (7.9 per 1,000) are the most prevalent. Burglary rates are relatively low at 1.7 per 1,000, accounting for just 2.2% of total crime. For residents, this suggests that while the area is generally safer than many urban centres, property protection remains relevant, particularly regarding vehicle crime and criminal damage which occur more frequently than residential break-ins.

Crime Trends in Broadstairs

The crime trend in Broadstairs has remained stable over the last year, with a negligible 2.3% increase in total reported incidents from December 2024 to November 2025. The monthly data shows some seasonal variation, beginning at 6.6 per 1,000 in December 2024 and reaching a peak of 8.5 in July 2025. This summer increase is typical for a coastal resort town like Broadstairs, as visitor numbers rise significantly.

Following the summer peak, crime rates declined through the autumn, reaching their lowest point of 4.9 per 1,000 in October 2025. This seasonal pattern suggests that crime is closely tied to the town's activity levels. For residents, the overall stable trend is a positive sign that despite minor fluctuations, Broadstairs continues to be a consistently safe environment with no major underlying increase in criminal activity.

How To Keep Safe in Broadstairs

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in Broadstairs, representing nearly 39% of all reported incidents. While the overall volume is lower than in neighbouring towns, it is still the primary area for safety awareness.

To stay safe in Broadstairs, consider these practical tips:

• When enjoying the town's beaches or nightlife, try to stay in groups and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas after dark.
• Be aware of your surroundings when using public transport or walking near the station, especially during the evening hours.
• Keep personal belongings secure and out of sight in busy areas like the High Street or Viking Bay to prevent opportunistic theft.
• If you witness anti-social behaviour, which is the second most common crime here, report it to the local council or police to help maintain the town's welcoming atmosphere.
• Ensure your home and vehicle are locked at all times, as even in safe areas, unlocked doors can attract unwanted attention.

Crime Timing in Broadstairs

Criminal activity in Broadstairs follows a predictable daily cycle. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft is the most frequent crime, accounting for 41% and 46% of reports respectively. This is common in areas with active retail centres and tourist footfall.

In the evening (6pm - 12am), the focus shifts towards 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which make up 65% of reports. As the town moves into the night (12am - 6am), vehicle crime becomes significantly more prominent, representing 35% of all night-time incidents. Burglary also sees its highest percentage during the night (9%), suggesting that residential properties are most at risk when occupants are asleep. These patterns indicate that while daytime crime is largely commercial, night-time crime is more likely to affect residential property and vehicles.

When compared to other areas in the Thanet region, Broadstairs stands out as a relatively safe urban settlement. Its crime rate of 77.4 is significantly lower than that of Ramsgate (138.7) and Margate (125.0), both of which act as larger urban hubs with higher incident rates. Broadstairs is more closely aligned with Cliffs End, which has a rate of 75.0, while it remains higher than the more rural village of Minster (Thanet) at 55.8. This comparison highlights Broadstairs as a middle-ground in the region—safer than the major towns but naturally busier than the surrounding rural villages. For those looking for a balance of coastal lifestyle and safety, Broadstairs presents a compelling option within Kent.

Protecting Your Property in Broadstairs

Although Broadstairs is safer than many surrounding areas, property crime still occurs at a rate of 27.6 per 1,000 residents. Criminal damage and shoplifting are the most common property-related offences, but vehicle crime and burglary remain concerns for local homeowners. Traditional security systems often rely on recording footage, which only provides evidence after a crime has been committed. For true protection, a proactive approach is necessary.

scOS offers a sophisticated alternative to traditional CCTV. By using AI-powered intelligence, scOS monitors your property 24/7 and can detect threats at the boundary line. This proactive detection allows the system to intervene before a break-in occurs, using autonomous responses like lights and sound to deter potential intruders. For Broadstairs residents, scOS provides a layer of security that traditional DIY systems cannot match, identifying routines and only alerting you to real threats. This professional-grade protection ensures that your home remains a safe haven, deterring opportunistic criminals before they decide to act.