Wateringbury Crime Rate

Wateringbury is a secure and well-regarded village in Kent, with an overall crime rate of 52.7 per 1,000 residents. This figure is notably lower than the UK average of 91.7, contributing to the area's strong safety score of 87/100. While the latest data from December 2024 to November 2025 indicates a 38.2% increase in total crime compared to the previous year, this percentage reflects a small rise in actual incidents from a very low baseline. Wateringbury remains a safe environment where serious criminal activity is rare. For residents, the statistics confirm that the village offers a high level of security, far superior to many larger urban settlements in the Tonbridge and Malling local authority area.

Crime in Wateringbury

Wateringbury's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 39.0% of all reported incidents. This is followed by criminal damage and arson (20.0%) and other theft (15.2%). While the percentage of violent crime is the highest, the actual number of incidents (41) is relatively low for the village's population. Anti-social behaviour also makes up a significant portion of local reports at 10.5%.

Property crime in Wateringbury, including burglary, theft, and vehicle crime, occurs at a rate of 24.1 per 1,000 residents. This is below the UK average of 32.3, indicating a generally safe environment for homeowners. However, the data shows that theft-related offences are very common during the daylight hours, making up over 50% of morning and afternoon crimes. Burglary is less frequent, representing 2.9% of total crime, while vehicle crime accounts for 5.7%. For residents, the statistics suggest that while the village is safe, protecting personal property and vehicles from opportunistic theft—especially during the day—is a key priority.

Crime Trends in Wateringbury

Wateringbury's crime trend is currently showing a 38.2% increase year-over-year. While this percentage appears high, it is important to contextualise it within the village's relatively low overall crime volume. In such areas, even a small number of additional reports can lead to a significant percentage jump. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows the crime rate per 1,000 residents ranging from 2.5 to 7.0.

The year saw a peak in April 2025 with a rate of 7.0, followed by a relatively stable period through the summer and autumn. By September, the rate had fallen to 3.0, finishing the year at a low 3.5 in November. This downward trend in the latter half of the year is a positive sign that the earlier increase was temporary. For residents, the overall message is that Wateringbury remains a safe environment, with crime levels that are still far below national averages despite the recent statistical increase.

How To Keep Safe in Wateringbury

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Wateringbury, though the actual number of incidents is low. As in any community, staying aware of your surroundings is the best form of personal safety.

When out in the village, particularly during the evening when anti-social behaviour and "other" crimes are more frequent, try to stick to well-lit routes. Criminal damage and arson is the second most common issue, so ensuring your property boundaries are well-defined and lit can be a good deterrent. For homeowners, the data shows that theft is most frequent in the morning and afternoon, accounting for 50% and 56% of crimes in those periods respectively. This suggests you should keep sheds, garages, and gates locked even during the day. Additionally, vehicle crime is most prevalent at night, representing 27% of night-time offences. Ensuring your car is securely parked and your home security is active before dusk will help you stay safe in this generally low-crime village.

Crime Timing in Wateringbury

The timing of criminal activity in Wateringbury follows a clear pattern linked to property offences. Theft-related crimes are most common during the daylight hours, making up 50% of morning crimes and 56% of afternoon crimes. This suggests that opportunistic theft is the primary concern when the village is most active.

As the day transitions into the evening (6pm - 12am), theft drops to 21%, while "other" crimes, including anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, rise to 64%. This makes the evening the most active time for general disturbances and property damage. Overnight (12am - 6am), the overall crime volume is at its lowest, but the risk to property remains significant. Vehicle crime accounts for 27% of night-time incidents, and burglary represents 10%. These statistics indicate that while the village is generally quiet at night, unattended property and vehicles are at their most vulnerable. Residents are advised to ensure all security measures, particularly for vehicles, are fully engaged before the evening begins.

Wateringbury sits in a relatively quiet part of the Tonbridge and Malling region. Its crime rate of 52.7 per 1,000 people makes it safer than neighbouring Yalding, which has a rate of 69.4. It is, however, slightly more active than Kings Hill (43.3). Smaller hamlets like Teston and Hale Street recorded no crimes during the same period, highlighting the difference between a functional village and very small residential clusters. For those considering the area, Wateringbury offers a balanced profile: it provides a good level of local activity and community while maintaining a safety level that is significantly better than the regional and national averages.

Home Security in Wateringbury

Wateringbury's property crime rate stands at 24.1 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the UK average but has seen a recent upward trend. The data shows that theft is a particular concern during the day, while vehicle crime and burglary are most prevalent overnight. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or video doorbells, are reactive—they provide footage after a crime has been committed. In a village like Wateringbury, the goal should be proactive prevention to maintain the area's peaceful character.

The scOS AI-powered security system is specifically designed for proactive protection. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor property boundaries in real-time, scOS can detect an intruder the moment they step onto your land. Instead of just recording—which does not stop a thief—scOS can trigger an autonomous response, such as activating lights or audible warnings, to deter a potential offender before they reach your home or vehicle. This is particularly valuable given the high percentage of daytime theft and overnight vehicle crime in the village. A professional scOS installation signals to any would-be offender that the risk is too high, ensuring your property remains part of Wateringbury's positive safety statistics.