Hildenborough Crime Rate

Hildenborough is an exceptionally safe urban settlement, recording an overall crime rate of 29.5 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.6, contributing to its excellent safety score of 93/100. Recent data from January to December 2025 indicates that crime is on an increasing trend, with a 33.3% rise year-over-year. Property crime in Hildenborough is particularly low at 11.1 per 1,000, well below the national average of 32.2. For the 3,253 residents, these statistics confirm that Hildenborough remains one of the most secure villages in Kent, though the recent increase in reported incidents suggests that maintaining this high standard requires continued community awareness and proactive security.

Hildenborough's crime landscape is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 37.5% of all reported incidents (36 crimes). Anti-social behaviour is the next most frequent at 12.5%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 10.4%. When looking at property crime as a whole—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and shoplifting—Hildenborough has a rate of 11.1 per 1,000 residents. This is exceptionally low compared to the UK average of 32.2. Within the property crime category, shoplifting is the most common at 9.4%, with burglary and other theft both at 6.2%. For residents and homeowners, these figures indicate a very safe environment where property crime is much less of a concern than in most other urban areas. However, the variety of theft-related crimes suggests that opportunistic security awareness remains important, despite the overall low volume of incidents.

Crime in Hildenborough is currently on an upward trend, with a significant 33.3% increase in total offences over the last year. Detailed monthly data for 2025 shows a volatile pattern; the crime rate peaked in May at 4.9 per 1,000 people, with another smaller peak in December at 4.0. The lowest rate was recorded in September at 0.9 per 1,000. While the percentage increase seems high, it is important to note that it comes from an extremely low baseline of criminal activity. However, the fluctuations throughout the year, especially the peaks in the spring and winter months, suggest that residents should remain vigilant and consider enhancing their home security to counteract this trend.

How To Keep Safe in Hildenborough

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Hildenborough. To stay safe, residents should be mindful when walking in less populated areas, particularly during the evening. Stick to well-lit main thoroughfares and avoid shortcuts through unlit paths or wooded areas after dark.

Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage are the next most common issues, often reported in the evenings. Staying connected with local community groups can help in addressing these concerns effectively. Property crime is another area for vigilance; with shoplifting being the most common property-related issue, ensure that personal items are not left unattended in public spaces. Vehicle crime is a particular risk at night, when it accounts for 32% of all incidents. Always ensure your vehicle is locked, parked in a well-lit driveway or garage, and that no valuables are left inside. During the afternoon, when burglary and theft rates are higher (both at 20% and 41% of incidents respectively), double-check that all ground-floor windows and doors are secure, even if you are at home, as opportunistic thieves often look for easy entry points during these hours.

Hildenborough's crime patterns show distinct shifts in risk throughout the day. During the morning (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are a primary concern, accounting for 38% of reports as local retail and commercial activity begins. This trend peaks in the afternoon (12pm-6pm), where theft-related offences rise to 41% of all incidents and burglary rates reach their daily peak. The evening hours (6pm-12am) see a significant change, with 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, dominating the statistics at 55%. At night (12am-6am), while the total number of crimes is lower, the risk to vehicles increases dramatically, with vehicle crime making up 32% of all reports during these hours. These patterns suggest that property and retail security are most critical during the day, while vehicle protection is the priority overnight.

In comparison to nearby areas, Hildenborough's crime rate of 29.5 per 1,000 people highlights it as an exceptionally secure urban choice. It is significantly safer than Tonbridge, which has a much higher rate of 75.7, and Sevenoaks Weald (42.3). While some rural areas like Leigh and Pittswood reported 0.0 in this dataset, Hildenborough offers a balanced urban environment with a safety record that far outperforms the national average. For those seeking a safe, well-connected village in Kent, Hildenborough remains a top-tier choice for residential safety, despite the recent upward trend in reported crime.

With a property crime rate of 11.1 per 1,000, Hildenborough is an exceptionally safe area. However, the recent 33.3% increase in crime suggests that even in very secure villages, opportunistic incidents can rise. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or doorbell cameras, are reactive—they simply record an event as it happens. For homeowners in Hildenborough who want to maintain their high level of safety, scOS offers a proactive alternative. This AI-powered operating system uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries in real-time. Instead of just sending a notification after a visitor has reached your door, scOS can distinguish between a known family member and a potential threat. When a threat is detected, the system can autonomously trigger deterrents like lighting and speakers, stopping a burglar before they even attempt entry. In an area where vehicle crime spikes at night—accounting for 32% of night-time incidents—having an AI system that provides active deterrence is the most effective way to ensure your home remains a hard target.