Larkfield Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Larkfield

Larkfield, a Built-Up Area within Tonbridge and Malling, reports an overall crime rate of 69.0 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is considerably lower than the UK national average of 93.4 per 1,000, suggesting a comparatively safer community. The area achieves a robust safety score of 84 out of 100, which is well above the UK average safety score of 78. In terms of recent trends, Larkfield has experienced a stable period, with a modest year-over-year decrease of 2.9% in its crime rate. This overview provides a clear picture of Larkfield's crime statistics, setting the stage for a more detailed analysis of specific crime categories and patterns.

Crime Type Analysis

In Larkfield, 'Violence and sexual offences' constitute the most prevalent crime category, making up 37.2% of all reported crimes, at a rate of 25.7 per 1,000 residents. 'Anti-social behaviour' follows, accounting for 19.5% (13.4 per 1,000), with 'Criminal damage and arson' as the third most common at 11.6% (8.0 per 1,000). The overall property-related crime rate in Larkfield is 22.7 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This includes other theft (4.6 per 1,000), vehicle crime (4.1 per 1,000), shoplifting (3.2 per 1,000), burglary (1.8 per 1,000), bicycle theft (0.4 per 1,000), robbery (0.3 per 1,000), and theft from the person (0.2 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these statistics suggest that while personal safety remains a primary concern, the risk of property crime is relatively low. However, attention to vehicle security and general home protection remains prudent.

Crime Trends in Larkfield

Larkfield has maintained a stable crime trend over the past year, showing a slight decrease of 2.9% in its year-over-year crime rate. This indicates a consistent level of safety within the Built-Up Area. Examining the monthly crime rates per 1,000 people, the figures generally fluctuate within a manageable range. Rates were relatively stable in late 2024 and early 2025, around 5.0 to 5.6. However, March 2025 saw an increase to 6.9, and July 2025 registered a notable peak at 7.6, followed by a dip to 4.7 in September 2025. These variations suggest that while the overall trend is stable, there are periods where crime activity may temporarily rise. For residents, this trend implies a generally consistent, albeit occasionally fluctuating, safety environment that requires ongoing awareness.

Time Patterns of Crime

Crime in Larkfield demonstrates varying patterns across different times of the day. In the morning (6am-12pm), theft is the most significant crime at 39%, followed by vehicle crime at 17% and burglary at 7%. This period often correlates with commuter movements and commercial activity. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees theft increase to 45%, with burglary rising to 12% and vehicle crime at 6%. This aligns with peak shopping hours and potentially unattended residences. During the evening (6pm-12am), 'other' crime types become predominant at 58%, while theft drops to 16% and vehicle crime is 17%. This shift often reflects social activity and nightlife. Finally, night-time (12am-6am) is characterised by a notable increase in vehicle crime (41%) and burglary (12%), occurring when areas are quietest and properties are most vulnerable to opportunistic offenders.

Comparison with Nearby Areas

Larkfield's crime rate of 69.0 per 1,000 people provides a benchmark for comparison with its surrounding areas. Being a largely residential Built-Up Area, Larkfield typically exhibits a different crime profile from more commercial or densely populated neighbours. For instance, Aylesford and West Malling, while also within Tonbridge and Malling, may have varying crime rates depending on their local amenities and traffic. Eccles (Tonbridge and Malling) and Forstal, often smaller settlements, would likely present lower overall crime figures due to their more rural or less active characteristics. This comparison helps residents understand Larkfield's position within the regional safety landscape, highlighting its relatively lower crime rate compared to many other areas and offering context for local safety considerations.

Protecting Your Home and Property

With a property crime rate of 22.7 per 1,000 people, Larkfield residents should consider robust home security measures. The emphasis must be on proactive crime prevention, rather than merely recording incidents after they happen. 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.