Margate Crime Rate

Margate currently holds a safety score of 70/100, reflecting its status as a busy coastal town with a more active crime profile than the UK average. The overall crime rate is 125.5 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the national average of 91.6. This data, covering the period from January 2025 to December 2025, indicates a town with substantial criminal activity, often influenced by its role as a major tourism hub. However, the crime trend is considered stable, with a slight 1.5% decrease year-over-year. For its population of 64,701, these statistics highlight the need for personal awareness and robust security, particularly during the busier summer months.

Crime in Margate

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in Margate, representing 41.9% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 18.7% and criminal damage and arson at 8.0%. The overall property crime rate in Margate is 34.0 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 part of the local landscape. Shoplifting (6.3%) and 'other theft' (6.0%) are prominent, while burglary (2.0%) and vehicle crime (2.9%) also contribute to the total. The rate of criminal damage and arson is also notable at 10.0 per 1,000 people. Combined, these property offences mean that Margate residents face a statistical risk of property crime that is slightly above the national average. This highlights the importance of robust home security and business protection to mitigate the risk of opportunistic theft and vandalism in the town.

Crime Trends in Margate

The crime rate in Margate is currently stable, with a minor 1.5% 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 9.6 in January and 9.3 in February.

Crime peaked significantly during the summer, reaching a high of 13.3 per 1,000 residents in July, with May, June, and August also showing rates well above 11.0. This aligns with the peak tourism season and the influx of visitors. The rate then declined in the autumn, hitting a low of 8.7 in September, 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 Margate

The most common crime in Margate is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for nearly 42% 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 Margate's 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 Old Town, 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 8.0% 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 high-activity area.

Crime in Margate follows a clear temporal cycle, with risks shifting as the day progresses. The morning and afternoon periods are heavily focused on theft-related offences (48-52%), 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 31% of all crimes during this period. Burglary also remains a risk overnight at 13%. 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, Margate sits between its neighbours in terms of safety. It is safer than Ramsgate, which has a higher crime rate of 139.0 per 1,000 people. However, it is significantly busier than Broadstairs (75.8), Cliffs End (68.1), and Minster (59.4). For residents and visitors, Margate offers a vibrant town experience, but its crime statistics reflect the challenges of a high-density urban area with a large transient population. Compared to the national average, Margate is a high-activity area that requires consistent attention to security.

With a property crime rate of 34.0 per 1,000 and criminal damage occurring at a rate of 10.0 per 1,000, Margate residents face a clear risk of property-related offences. 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 Margate, 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 Margate 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.