West Malling Crime Rate

West Malling is a vibrant and popular market town in Kent with an overall crime rate of 95.5 per 1,000 residents. While this is slightly above the UK average of 91.7, it is a typical figure for a regional hub that attracts significant visitors for shopping and nightlife. The town maintains a respectable safety score of 79/100, matching the UK average. Recent data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that crime levels are stable, with a minor 2.0% decrease year-over-year. This consistency suggests that West Malling remains a safe and well-managed community. Residents can feel reassured that despite the town's busy nature, crime is not on the increase and remains within expected national norms.

Crime in West Malling

West Malling has a crime profile that is slightly above the national average, with an overall rate of 95.5 per 1,000 residents. The top three crime types are violence and sexual offences (33.6%), anti-social behaviour (20.8%), and criminal damage and arson (11.1%). The higher rate is often attributed to the town's role as a local hub for hospitality and commerce, which naturally draws more activity than purely residential villages.

Property crime in West Malling occurs at a rate of 33.0 per 1,000 people, which is very close to the UK average of 32.3. This includes 24 shoplifting incidents, 22 other thefts, and 19 vehicle crimes. Notably, burglary is absent from the recent full breakdown data, which is a positive sign for homeowners. However, vehicle crime remains a persistent issue, particularly overnight when it accounts for 51% of all crimes recorded. For residents, this highlights the need for secure parking and vigilant protection of personal property, especially in the town's busier areas.

Crime Trends in West Malling

West Malling's crime trend is currently stable, with a minor 2.0% decrease in total offences over the last year. This suggests that the town is maintaining a consistent safety profile. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuating between 6.6 and 11.6.

The year saw a significant peak in July 2025, when the rate rose to 11.6 per 1,000, which may be linked to increased summer activity in the town centre. However, this was followed by a steady decline, with the rate falling to 7.3 in September and finishing the year at 6.6 in November. This downward trend in the latter half of the year is a positive indicator. For residents, the overall message is one of consistency; despite being a busy local centre, West Malling's crime levels are not rising and remain predictable, allowing for effective community safety planning.

How To Keep Safe in West Malling

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in West Malling, often linked to the town's busy evening economy. Staying safe involves being aware of your surroundings, particularly when enjoying the town's hospitality venues during the evening.

When out at night, try to stay with friends and use well-lit routes. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue, so reporting any persistent disturbances to the local police can help maintain the town's pleasant atmosphere. For property owners, the data shows that theft is most frequent during the morning and afternoon, accounting for 44% and 54% of crimes in those periods. This suggests that you should keep personal belongings and retail stock secure during the day. Most importantly, vehicle crime is the primary risk overnight, representing over half of all night-time offences. Ensuring your car is parked in a secure, well-lit area or a locked garage is the single most effective way to protect your property in West Malling.

Crime Timing in West Malling

Crime in West Malling follows a cycle that reflects its role as a commercial and social hub. Theft-related offences are most common during the day, accounting for 44% of morning crimes and 54% of afternoon crimes. This peak coincides with the opening hours of the town's shops and businesses, where opportunistic theft is more likely to occur.

In the evening (6pm - 12am), theft drops to 18%, while "other" crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order issues, rise significantly to 61%. This makes the evening the most active period for general disturbances, likely linked to the town's evening economy. However, the most striking pattern occurs overnight (12am - 6am). During these hours, vehicle crime becomes the dominant concern, representing 51% of all recorded incidents. This is the highest percentage for vehicle crime in any period, suggesting that cars parked on the street or in driveways are at significant risk while the town is quiet. Residents should prioritise secure overnight parking and ensure all property security is active before the evening begins.

West Malling is the most active settlement in its immediate vicinity, which is reflected in its crime rate of 95.5 per 1,000 people. This is significantly higher than neighbouring residential areas like Kings Hill (43.3) and Ryarsh (37.3). Smaller rural hamlets such as Offham and Addington recorded no crimes during the same period, highlighting the difference between a functional town centre and quiet rural clusters. For those looking for a location with a high street, train station, and active social scene, West Malling is the primary choice, though this naturally comes with a higher volume of reported activity than the surrounding purely residential villages.

Home Security in West Malling

West Malling's property crime rate is 33.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it in line with the national average. However, the data reveals a specific vulnerability: vehicle crime. Overnight, vehicle-related offences account for a staggering 51% of all recorded crime in the town. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV, are often reactive—they record a crime as it happens but do little to prevent it. In an active town like West Malling, proactive protection is essential for homeowners who want to stay ahead of opportunistic thieves.

The scOS AI-powered security system is designed to prevent crime before it occurs. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries, scOS can detect a potential intruder the moment they approach your vehicle or home. Instead of just giving you footage of a break-in, scOS can trigger an autonomous response, such as activating lights or audible warnings, to deter a criminal before they can act. This is particularly effective for West Malling residents who park their cars on driveways or in public-facing spaces. A professional scOS installation signals to any would-be offender that your property is under constant, intelligent surveillance, making them move on to an easier target.