Hadlow Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Hadlow

Hadlow, a Built-Up Area within Tonbridge and Malling, reports an overall crime rate of 47.0 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.4 per 1,000, positioning Hadlow as a considerably safer community. The area achieves a strong safety score of 88 out of 100, which is well above the UK average safety score of 78. In terms of recent trends, Hadlow has experienced an increase of 12.9% in its year-over-year crime rate. This overview provides a clear picture of Hadlow's crime statistics, setting the stage for a more detailed analysis of specific crime categories and patterns.

Crime Type Analysis

In Hadlow, 'Violence and sexual offences' constitute the most prevalent crime category, accounting for a substantial 45.6% of all reported crimes, at a rate of 21.4 per 1,000 residents. 'Anti-social behaviour' follows, making up 15.2% (7.1 per 1,000), with 'Criminal damage and arson' as the third most common at 14.6% (6.8 per 1,000). The overall property-related crime rate in Hadlow is 12.5 per 1,000 people, which is substantially lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This includes other theft (3.0 per 1,000), vehicle crime (1.8 per 1,000), burglary (0.6 per 1,000), and shoplifting (0.3 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these statistics highlight that while violence is the leading concern, the risk of property crime is notably low. This creates a generally secure environment, though vigilance for all crime types is always advised.

Crime Trends in Hadlow

Hadlow has experienced an increasing crime trend over the last year, with a year-over-year rise of 12.9%. While this indicates an increase, it's important to note it comes from a relatively low base. A review of the monthly crime rates per 1,000 people shows fluctuations. Rates varied from a low of 2.7 in February, April, and August 2025 to a high of 6.9 in January and March 2025. Other months, such as October 2024 (3.9) and December 2024 (3.6), showed consistent low figures. This pattern suggests that while there has been an increase, crime levels remain well below the national average. For residents, this trend indicates that while vigilance is always important, Hadlow continues to be a very safe area with a low incidence of crime.

Time Patterns of Crime

Crime in Hadlow demonstrates varying patterns across different times of the day. In the morning (6am-12pm), theft is the most significant crime at 38%, followed by vehicle crime at 10% and burglary at 4%. This period often correlates with commuter movements and commercial activity. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees theft increase to 45%, with burglary rising to 7% and vehicle crime at 4%. This aligns with peak shopping hours and potentially unattended residences. During the evening (6pm-12am), 'other' crime types become predominant at 70%, while theft drops to 15% and vehicle crime is 10%. This shift often reflects social activity and nightlife. Finally, night-time (12am-6am) is characterised by a notable increase in vehicle crime (28%) and 'other' crimes (57%), occurring when areas are quietest and properties are most vulnerable to opportunistic offenders.

Comparison with Nearby Areas

Hadlow's crime rate of 47.0 per 1,000 people positions it as a very safe area within the region. When compared to its neighbours, Hadlow often stands out for its lower crime figures. Pittswood, Golden Green, and Hale Street, being smaller or more rural settlements, would likely exhibit similar or even lower crime rates, reflecting their quieter characteristics. East Peckham, another nearby Built-Up Area, might show a slightly different crime rate depending on its local amenities and activity. This comparison helps residents understand Hadlow's strong position within the regional safety landscape, highlighting its generally more favourable crime rate compared to many of its neighbours, offering context for local safety considerations.

Protecting Your Home and Property

Despite Hadlow's very low property crime rate of 12.5 per 1,000 people, maintaining robust home security remains a sensible precaution. The most effective approach is proactive crime prevention, rather than simply recording incidents after they occur. Many conventional security cameras, such as Ring or Nest, primarily capture footage of a burglary, documenting the event rather than actively stopping it. Similarly, basic DIY alarm systems often provide alerts after an intrusion has occurred, meaning the crime is already in progress.

For enhanced protection, an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS offers a transformative solution. scOS is engineered to prevent crime by detecting threats at your property boundary, intervening before an intruder can gain entry. It utilises multi-camera intelligence to monitor your entire property simultaneously, eliminating blind spots. Features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly identify suspicious vehicles, and its pattern learning capabilities distinguish between routine activities and genuine threats, reducing false alarms. With autonomous responses, including activating lights and engaging speakers, scOS creates an immediate deterrent, destroying the element of surprise that burglars depend on. This professional-grade security makes your property a less appealing target, intervening within the critical 60-second window where most burglars decide whether to proceed.