Wateringbury Crime Rate

Wateringbury is a safe urban settlement, recording an overall crime rate of 50.7 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.6, contributing to its high safety score of 88/100. Recent data from January to December 2025 indicates that crime is on an increasing trend, with a 24.7% rise year-over-year. Property crime in Wateringbury is recorded at 23.6 per 1,000, which is also well below the national average of 32.2. For the 1,994 residents, these statistics confirm that Wateringbury remains a secure village in Kent, though the recent increase in reported incidents suggests that maintaining this high standard requires continued community awareness and proactive security.

Wateringbury's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 39.6% of all reports (40 crimes). Criminal damage and arson is the next most frequent at 19.8%, followed by 'other theft' at 15.8%. When examining property-related crime—which includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and shoplifting—Wateringbury has a rate of 23.6 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.2. Within the property crime category, 'other theft' is the most common at 15.8%, with vehicle crime at 5.9%. For residents and homeowners, these figures indicate a relatively safe environment, but the high proportion of criminal damage and theft suggests that property security remains a key concern. The variety of theft-related crimes highlights the need for consistent vigilance across residential areas in the village.

Crime in Wateringbury is currently on an upward trend, with a significant 24.7% increase in total offences over the last year. Detailed monthly data for 2025 shows a volatile pattern; the crime rate peaked in April at 7.0 per 1,000 people, with another smaller peak in May (6.5). The lowest rate was recorded in December at 2.0 per 1,000. While the percentage increase seems high, it is important to note that it comes from a relatively low baseline of criminal activity. However, the fluctuations throughout the year, especially the peaks in the spring months, suggest that residents should remain vigilant and consider enhancing their home security to counteract this trend.

How To Keep Safe in Wateringbury

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Wateringbury. To stay safe, residents should be mindful when walking in less populated areas, particularly during the evening. Stick to well-lit main thoroughfares and avoid shortcuts through unlit paths or wooded areas after dark.

Criminal damage and arson are the next most common issues, often reported in the evenings. Staying connected with local community groups can help in addressing these concerns effectively. Property crime is another area for vigilance; with 'other theft' being the third most common crime, ensure that personal items are not left unattended in public spaces. Vehicle crime is a particular risk at night, when it accounts for 31% of all incidents. Always ensure your vehicle is locked, parked in a well-lit driveway or garage, and that no valuables are left inside. During the afternoon, when burglary and theft rates are higher (8% and 56% of incidents respectively), double-check that all ground-floor windows and doors are secure, even if you are at home, as opportunistic thieves often look for easy entry points during these hours.

Wateringbury's crime patterns show distinct shifts in risk throughout the day. During the morning (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are a primary concern, accounting for 50% of reports as local retail and commercial activity begins. This trend peaks in the afternoon (12pm-6pm), where theft-related offences rise to 56% of all incidents and burglary rates reach their daily peak. The evening hours (6pm-12am) see a significant change, with 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, dominating the statistics at 61%. At night (12am-6am), while the total number of crimes is lower, the risk to vehicles increases dramatically, with vehicle crime making up 31% of all reports during these hours. These patterns suggest that property and retail security are most critical during the day, while vehicle protection is the priority overnight.

In comparison to nearby areas, Wateringbury's crime rate of 50.7 per 1,000 people highlights it as a relatively secure urban choice. It is safer than Yalding, which has a higher rate of 69.4. While it is slightly more active than Kings Hill (45.1) and rural areas like Teston and Hale Street, Wateringbury offers a balanced urban environment with a safety record that outperforms the national average. For those seeking a safe, community-focused village in Kent, Wateringbury remains a robust choice for residential safety, despite the recent upward trend in reported crime.

With a property crime rate of 23.6 per 1,000, Wateringbury is a safe area. However, the prevalence of theft and criminal damage suggests that even in secure villages, opportunistic incidents can occur. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or doorbell cameras, are reactive—they simply record an event as it happens. For homeowners in Wateringbury who want to maintain their high level of safety, scOS offers a proactive alternative. This AI-powered operating system uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries in real-time. Instead of just sending a notification after a visitor has reached your door, scOS can distinguish between a known family member and a potential threat. When a threat is detected, the system can autonomously trigger deterrents like lighting and speakers, stopping a burglar before they even attempt entry. In an area where vehicle crime spikes at night—accounting for 31% of night-time incidents—having an AI system that provides active deterrence is the most effective way to ensure your home remains a hard target.