Ightham Crime Rate

Ightham is one of the most secure and desirable villages in Kent, with an overall crime rate of just 24.6 per 1,000 residents. This exceptionally low figure is nearly 75% below the UK average of 91.7, resulting in a superior safety score of 95/100. The latest data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a significant 24.2% decrease in total crime, indicating that the village is becoming even safer over time. While the statistical profile shows burglary as a primary concern, the actual volume of incidents is very low. Ightham remains a tranquil and high-safety environment, offering residents a level of security that is among the best in the Tonbridge and Malling local authority.

Crime in Ightham

Ightham presents a unique crime profile where burglary is the most frequently reported offence, accounting for 22.0% of all incidents. This is followed by violence and sexual offences (20.0%) and other theft (18.0%). While the percentage for burglary is high, it is important to note that the overall number of crimes is very low; there were only 50 recorded incidents in total over the last year.

Property crime in Ightham, which includes burglary, theft, and vehicle crime, occurs at a rate of 16.2 per 1,000 residents. This is roughly half the UK average of 32.3. However, with burglary being the top crime type, residential security is a primary concern for residents. The data shows that burglary risk is distributed throughout the day, peaking in the afternoon and evening. Vehicle crime also accounts for 12.0% of local offences. For homeowners in this affluent village, the statistics suggest that while the area is generally very safe, the risk of targeted property crime is the most significant local factor.

Crime Trends in Ightham

Ightham's crime trend is exceptionally positive, with a 24.2% decrease in total offences over the last 12 months. This substantial reduction indicates that the village is becoming even safer, building on its already strong reputation. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows the crime rate per 1,000 residents remaining very low, typically between 0.5 and 4.4.

The year saw a peak in January 2025 with a rate of 4.4, but this was an outlier. For the rest of the year, rates were much lower, with several months recording rates below 2.0. A minor uptick occurred in September (3.4), but the year finished strongly with rates of 1.5 in October and 1.0 in November. This consistent low volume of crime throughout the year is highly reassuring for residents. It suggests that the decrease is not a one-off event but a sustained pattern of high safety in the village.

How To Keep Safe in Ightham

Burglary is the most frequently reported crime in Ightham, which is unusual for a village of this size. While the total number of incidents is low, residents should prioritise home security to maintain their personal safety.

To reduce the risk of being targeted, ensure that all windows and doors are securely locked, even when you are at home, particularly during the afternoon when burglary risk is at its daily peak. Installing a high-quality alarm system or proactive AI security can provide a significant deterrent. Violence and sexual offences are the second most common issue, so staying aware of your surroundings when walking through the village is always a good practice. For vehicle owners, the data shows that vehicle crime is most common overnight, so parking in a locked garage or a well-lit driveway is essential. Finally, joining a local neighbourhood watch scheme or staying connected with other residents can help you stay informed about any suspicious activity, ensuring the village remains a safe and vigilant community.

Crime Timing in Ightham

The timing of criminal activity in Ightham is dominated by property-related offences, particularly burglary and theft. During the morning (6am - 12pm), theft is the primary concern at 41%, while burglary accounts for 26%. This pattern suggests that opportunistic theft is more common as the village day begins.

As the day progresses, the risk of burglary increases significantly. In the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), burglary rises to 41%, matching theft at the same percentage. This makes the afternoon a critical period for home security. This high risk continues into the evening (6pm - 12am), where burglary remains at 40%. Overnight (12am - 6am), the overall crime volume is at its lowest, but the risk to property is at its most concentrated. Burglary accounts for 41% of night-time incidents, and vehicle crime reaches its daily peak at 36%. These statistics indicate that residential properties in Ightham are at a consistent risk of burglary from midday through to the early morning hours, requiring 24-hour vigilance.

Ightham is situated in a very safe pocket of the Kentish countryside. Its crime rate of 24.6 per 1,000 people makes it more secure than neighbouring Plaxtol (33.4) and nearly twice as safe as Borough Green (48.3). Only the very small, purely residential hamlets of Styants Bottom, Stone Street, and Crouch—all of which recorded zero crimes—present a lower statistical risk. For those seeking an affluent village with a strong sense of community and a very low volume of reported crime, Ightham is one of the premier choices in the region, offering significantly more security than the larger nearby towns.

Home Security in Ightham

Despite its low overall crime rate, Ightham has a specific security challenge: burglary is the most common crime type, accounting for 22.0% of all incidents. This suggests that the village's high-value residential properties may be targeted by opportunistic or professional thieves. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or doorbell cameras, are reactive—they only provide footage after a break-in has occurred. In an affluent area like Ightham, the priority must be proactive prevention.

The scOS AI-powered security system is designed to stop crime before it happens. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries, scOS can detect an intruder the moment they step onto your grounds. Instead of just recording—which does not prevent a burglary—scOS can trigger an autonomous response, such as activating floodlights or audible warnings, to deter a potential offender before they reach your home. This is particularly valuable in Ightham, where burglary risk is highest in the afternoon and evening. A professional scOS installation signals to any would-be burglar that your home is intelligently protected, making them move on to a less secure target and ensuring your property remains part of Ightham's excellent safety statistics.