Ightham Crime Rate

Ightham is an exceptionally safe urban settlement, recording an overall crime rate of 26.5 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.6, contributing to its excellent safety score of 94/100. Recent data from January to December 2025 shows that crime is on a decreasing trend, with a 12.9% drop year-over-year. Property crime in Ightham is particularly low at 16.2 per 1,000, well below the national average of 32.2. For the 2,035 residents, these statistics confirm that Ightham remains one of the most secure villages in Kent, with a safety profile that has improved over the last year, providing a reassuring environment for families and professionals alike.

Ightham's crime landscape is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 24.1% of all reported incidents (13 crimes). Burglary is the next most frequent at 20.4%, followed by 'other theft' at 14.8%. When looking at property crime as a whole—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—Ightham has a rate of 16.2 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.2. Criminal damage and arson also represent a notable portion of local crime at 13.0%. For residents and homeowners, these figures indicate a very safe environment, but the high proportion of burglary and theft suggests that property security remains a key concern. The variety of theft-related crimes highlights the need for consistent vigilance across residential areas in the village.

Crime in Ightham is on a downward trend, with a 12.9% decrease in total offences over the last year. Detailed monthly data for 2025 shows a volatile pattern; the crime rate peaked in January at 4.4 per 1,000 people, with another smaller peak in March (3.4) and September (3.4). The lowest rate was recorded in August at 0.5 per 1,000. This consistent decrease across several months is a positive indicator for the area's safety. The overall trajectory suggests that Ightham is becoming increasingly secure, with local law enforcement and community efforts effectively reducing criminal activity and providing a safer environment for its residents.

How To Keep Safe in Ightham

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Ightham. 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.

Burglary is the second most common issue, accounting for a significant 20.4% of all reports. Homeowners should ensure that all entry points are secure and consider high-quality locks and security systems. Property crime is another area for vigilance; with 'other theft' being the third most common crime, ensure that personal items are not left unattended in public spaces. Vehicle crime is a particular risk at night, when it accounts for 39% 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 37% and 40% 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.

Ightham'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 40% of reports as local retail and commercial activity begins. This trend continues in the afternoon (12pm-6pm), where theft-related offences remain at 40% 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 28%. At night (12am-6am), while the total number of crimes is lower, the risk to vehicles increases dramatically, with vehicle crime making up 39% 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, Ightham's crime rate of 26.5 per 1,000 people highlights it as an exceptionally secure urban choice. It is safer than Plaxtol (32.2) and Borough Green (46.8). While some rural areas like Styants Bottom, Stone Street, and Crouch reported 0.0 in this dataset, Ightham 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, Ightham remains a top-tier choice for residential safety, especially given its recent decrease in crime.

With a property crime rate of 16.2 per 1,000, Ightham is an exceptionally safe area. However, the high proportion of burglary (20.4%) suggests that even in very secure villages, residential properties are a target. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or doorbell cameras, are reactive—they simply record an event as it happens. For homeowners in Ightham 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 39% 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.