Larkfield Crime Rate

Larkfield is an urban settlement with a strong safety profile, recording an overall crime rate of 69.1 per 1,000 people. This figure is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.6, contributing to its high safety score of 84/100. The crime trend in Larkfield is currently stable, showing a negligible 1.3% increase year-over-year. For the 28,427 residents, property crime is a relatively low concern, with a rate of 21.4 per 1,000—well below the national average of 32.2. This data, covering January to December 2025, positions Larkfield as a secure residential area within the Tonbridge and Malling district, offering a safe environment for both families and individuals.

Larkfield's crime statistics are dominated by violence and sexual offences, which make up 37.5% of all reported incidents (736 crimes). Anti-social behaviour is the next most frequent at 21.0%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 10.6%. Property-related crime—which encompasses burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and arson—occurs at a rate of 21.4 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.2. Within this category, 'other theft' is the most common at 6.7%, with vehicle crime following at 5.4%. For Larkfield residents, this data suggests that while the overall risk of property crime is lower than in many other urban areas, opportunistic theft and vehicle-related offences are the primary concerns for homeowners. Burglary remains relatively low at 2.8% of total crimes, but the combined impact of theft and criminal damage highlights the need for consistent property vigilance.

Larkfield's crime trend is currently stable, with a year-over-year increase of just 1.3%. Monthly analysis for 2025 reveals some volatility; the crime rate peaked in July at 7.6 per 1,000 people, followed by 6.5 in August. These summer spikes are common in many residential areas. Interestingly, November saw a significant dip to 3.9 per 1,000, the lowest for the year, before rising again to 6.2 in December. This end-of-year increase is often associated with the festive season and shorter daylight hours. Despite these monthly shifts, the overall trajectory remains flat, suggesting that Larkfield is not experiencing a meaningful surge in criminal activity and remains a consistently safe environment for its residents.

How To Keep Safe in Larkfield

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Larkfield. To stay safe, residents should be mindful when walking in less populated areas, particularly during the evening and night. Stick to well-lit routes like the main A20 London Road and avoid shortcuts through unlit alleyways or wooded areas.

Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue, often peaking in the evenings. Being part of a local community group or Neighbourhood Watch can help in reporting and addressing these concerns effectively. Property crime, including vehicle theft, is another area for vigilance. Since vehicle crime significantly increases during the night-time hours (reaching 39% of night-time incidents), always ensure your car is parked in a garage or a well-lit driveway, and never leave valuables inside. For homeowners, especially during the afternoon when burglary rates are higher, ensure that all windows and doors are securely locked even if you are just in the garden, as opportunistic thieves often look for easy entry points during these hours.

Crime in Larkfield follows distinct temporal patterns throughout the day. The morning hours (6am-12pm) are relatively quiet but see a significant proportion of theft-related offences (40%) as retail and commercial activities begin. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft remains the dominant crime type, accounting for 46% of reports, and burglary rates also reach their peak. The evening period (6pm-12am) sees a shift toward anti-social behaviour and 'other' crimes, which make up 58% of incidents during this time. Night-time (12am-6am) presents a different risk profile; while overall crime volume is lower, vehicle crime spikes dramatically, accounting for 39% of all incidents reported in the early hours. This suggests that while daytime risks are largely opportunistic and retail-based, night-time risks are specifically focused on unattended property and vehicles.

When compared to nearby urban areas, Larkfield's crime rate of 69.1 per 1,000 is very similar to Eccles (68.0), suggesting a consistent safety level across these parts of Tonbridge and Malling. It is significantly safer than West Malling, which has a higher rate of 95.5. While areas like Aylesford and Forstal reported 0.0 in this dataset, Larkfield remains a robustly safe choice for those looking for a larger settlement with more amenities. For residents and prospective movers, Larkfield offers a more secure environment than many comparable UK towns, maintaining a safety score that is well above the national average.

In Larkfield, the property crime rate of 21.4 per 1,000 suggests that while the area is safe, opportunistic theft remains a factor. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or doorbell cameras, are reactive—they simply record the event as it happens. For homeowners who want to prevent crime, scOS offers a proactive alternative. This AI-powered operating system uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries in real-time. Rather than just sending a notification after someone has approached your door, scOS can distinguish between a known family member and a potential threat. It can then autonomously trigger deterrents like lighting and speakers, stopping a burglar in their tracks. In an area where vehicle crime peaks at night, having an AI system that never blinks and can even verify vehicle plates provides a level of protection that traditional recording devices simply cannot match.