Ightham Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Ightham

Ightham, a Built-Up Area within Tonbridge and Malling, reports an exceptionally low overall crime rate of 30.4 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is dramatically lower than the UK national average of 93.4 per 1,000, positioning Ightham as a significantly safer community. The area achieves an outstanding safety score of 93 out of 100, far exceeding the UK average safety score of 78. In terms of recent trends, Ightham has experienced an increase of 10.7% in its year-over-year crime rate. This overview provides a clear picture of Ightham's crime statistics, setting the stage for a more detailed analysis of specific crime categories and patterns.

Crime Type Analysis

In Ightham, 'Burglary' constitutes the most prevalent crime category, accounting for 24.2% of all reported crimes, at a rate of 7.4 per 1,000 residents. 'Criminal damage and arson' follows, making up 17.7% (5.4 per 1,000), with 'Vehicle crime' as the third most common at 16.1% (4.9 per 1,000). The overall property-related crime rate in Ightham is 21.6 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This includes burglary, criminal damage and arson, vehicle crime, and other theft (3.9 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these statistics highlight that while the overall crime rate is very low, burglary is a notable concern, despite the lower property crime rate compared to national figures. This underscores the importance of robust home security measures.

Crime Trends in Ightham

Ightham has experienced an increasing crime trend over the last year, with a year-over-year rise of 10.7%. While this indicates an increase, it's important to note it comes from a very low base. A review of the monthly crime rates per 1,000 people shows fluctuations. Rates varied from a low of 0.5 in August 2025 to a high of 6.9 in November 2024. Other months, such as October 2024 (1.5) and January 2025 (4.4), showed varying 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, Ightham continues to be a very safe area with a low incidence of crime.

Time Patterns of Crime

Crime in Ightham demonstrates varying patterns across different times of the day. In the morning (6am-12pm), burglary is the most significant crime at 27%, followed by theft at 31% and vehicle crime at 21%. This period often correlates with commuter movements and commercial activity. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees burglary rise significantly to 44%, with theft at 32% and vehicle crime at 7%. This aligns with residential properties being unattended. During the evening (6pm-12am), burglary remains high at 38%, while theft drops to 12% and vehicle crime is 20%. This shift often reflects social activity and nightlife. Finally, night-time (12am-6am) is characterised by a significant increase in vehicle crime (40%) and burglary (38%), occurring when areas are quietest and properties are most vulnerable to opportunistic offenders.

Comparison with Nearby Areas

Ightham's exceptionally low crime rate of 30.4 per 1,000 people makes it a standout in the region. When compared to nearby areas, Ightham consistently ranks as one of the safest. Styants Bottom, Stone Street, and Plaxtol, being smaller or more rural settlements, would likely exhibit similar or even lower crime rates, reflecting their quieter characteristics. Crouch and Borough Green, while also relatively safe, might show marginally higher crime rates depending on their local amenities and activity. This comparison helps residents understand Ightham's strong position within the regional safety landscape, highlighting its status as a very secure and desirable place to live compared to many of its neighbours.

Protecting Your Home and Property

Despite Ightham's very low overall crime rate, its property crime rate of 21.6 per 1,000 people, with burglary being the leading crime type, necessitates robust home security measures. 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.