Eccles (Tonbridge and Malling) Crime Rate

Eccles, located within the Tonbridge and Malling district, is a safe urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 64.6 per 1,000 people. This is considerably lower than the UK average of 91.7, earning the area a high safety score of 83/100. Despite its safe standing, crime in Eccles has seen a recent increase of 8.7% year-over-year. The property crime rate is particularly low at 13.3 per 1,000, which is less than half the national average of 32.3. While the upward trend warrants attention, the statistical context remains very positive, positioning Eccles as a secure place to live compared to most UK urban areas. The following data provides a deeper look into the specific types and timing of local offences.

In Eccles, the crime profile is heavily weighted towards violence and sexual offences, which account for 48.2% of all recorded incidents (31.1 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 21.4%, followed by vehicle crime, which represents 10.7% of the total. These top three categories make up the vast majority of local police reports.

Property crime in Eccles, including burglary, theft, and vehicle crime, occurs at a rate of 13.3 per 1,000 people. This is remarkably low compared to the UK average of 32.3, suggesting that homes and belongings are statistically much safer here than in many other urban areas. Vehicle crime is the most significant property-related threat, while burglary and bicycle theft remain extremely rare. For residents, the focus should be on personal safety and vehicle security, as traditional property theft like burglary is not a dominant feature of the local crime landscape. Ensuring cars are parked securely and remaining aware during late-night hours are the most practical steps for maintaining safety.

Crime in Eccles is currently on an upward trend, with an 8.7% increase in total reported offences compared to the previous year. Analysis of the monthly data shows significant fluctuations; the year began with a very low rate of 1.2 in December 2024, followed by a sharp spike to 8.1 in January 2025. Another peak occurred in May 2025, reaching 10.4 crimes per 1,000 people, the highest for the period. The latter half of 2025 saw rates stabilise somewhat, though they remained higher than the previous year's lows, ending at 5.2 in November. This trend suggests that while Eccles remains a low-crime area overall, there has been a noticeable increase in criminal activity that residents should be mindful of. The spikes in certain months may indicate specific local events or periods of opportunistic crime that community safety measures should address.

How To Keep Safe in Eccles

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in Eccles, making up nearly half of all reports. While the overall numbers are low, it is wise to stay aware of your surroundings when walking through the village, especially after dark. Stick to well-lit paths and avoid secluded areas. Vehicle crime is the second most significant concern, particularly during the night. To protect your car, always ensure it is locked, windows are fully closed, and no valuables—such as bags, electronics, or loose change—are left in plain sight. If possible, park in a locked garage or a well-lit driveway. Anti-social behaviour also accounts for a portion of local reports; residents should report any recurring issues to the local community officers to help maintain the village's peaceful atmosphere. Simple measures like installing motion-sensor lighting around your home can also act as a strong deterrent for opportunistic crime.

Crime in Eccles follows distinct temporal patterns, with different offences peaking at different times of the day. The night-time period (12am - 6am) is particularly notable for vehicle crime, which accounts for a staggering 75% of all incidents reported during these hours. This suggests that vehicles parked overnight are the primary targets for local opportunistic thieves. During the morning and afternoon, 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, become more prevalent, making up 33% to 47% of reports. Afternoon hours also see a rise in theft-related incidents (26%), likely coinciding with increased activity around local shops or residential areas. Evening hours (6pm - 12am) see a split between vehicle crime (47%) and other offences (47%), indicating that the transition from day to night is a period of heightened risk for both public order and property. Overall, the data suggests that while the village is quiet, the hours of darkness require the most vigilance regarding vehicle and property security.

Eccles is situated in a highly secure part of Kent. When compared to nearby areas like Burham, Aylesford, Kit's Coty, and Forstal, which all report very low crime figures, Eccles maintains a slightly higher but still very safe rate of 64.6 per 1,000. This regional context shows that the entire area surrounding Eccles is exceptionally safe by UK standards. For those looking to move to the region, Eccles offers a quiet, residential atmosphere with a safety profile that is far superior to most larger towns or cities in the South East, making it an excellent choice for those prioritising a low-crime environment.

In Eccles, where vehicle crime is the most prominent property-related concern, traditional security cameras often fall short. Systems like Ring or Nest are reactive—they might record someone tampering with your car, but they rarely stop it from happening. For residents in Eccles, proactive protection is a much more effective solution. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that monitors your property boundary in real-time. It doesn't just record; it intervenes. Using multi-camera intelligence, scOS can detect a threat the moment someone enters your driveway. Its DVLA vehicle verification feature can instantly flag unknown or suspicious vehicles, while autonomous responses like activating deterrent lights and speakers can scare off potential thieves before they even reach your vehicle. With a property crime rate of 13.3 per 1,000, the goal is to keep those numbers low by ensuring your home is a hard target. scOS provides that level of professional-grade deterrence, preventing crimes rather than just providing footage of them.