West Malling Crime Rate

West Malling is a safe urban settlement, recording an overall crime rate of 95.5 per 1,000 people. This is slightly higher than the UK national average of 91.6, contributing to its safety score of 79/100. Recent data from January to December 2025 shows that crime is on a decreasing trend, with a 5.2% drop year-over-year. Property crime in West Malling is recorded at 34.3 per 1,000, which is also slightly higher than the national average of 32.2. For the 3,028 residents, these statistics confirm that West Malling remains a secure town in Kent, with a safety profile that has improved over the last year, providing a reassuring environment for families and professionals alike.

West Malling's crime breakdown is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 33.6% of all reports (97 crimes). Anti-social behaviour is the next most frequent at 20.1%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 10.7%. When looking at property crime as a whole—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and shoplifting—West Malling has a rate of 34.3 per 1,000 residents. This is slightly higher than the UK average of 32.2. Within the property crime category, shoplifting is the most common at 8.3%, closely followed by vehicle crime at 8.0% and other theft at 7.3%. For residents and homeowners, these figures indicate a typical urban environment where property crime is a notable concern. The high rates of shoplifting and vehicle crime suggest that both local businesses and vehicle owners should be particularly mindful of security measures.

Crime in West Malling is on a downward trend, with a 5.2% decrease in total offences over the last year. Detailed monthly data for 2025 shows a volatile pattern; the crime rate peaked in July at 11.6 per 1,000 people, with another smaller peak in October at 9.6. The lowest rates were recorded in February, April, May, and November, all at 6.6 per 1,000. This consistent decrease across several months is a positive indicator for the area's safety. The overall trajectory suggests that West Malling is becoming increasingly secure, with local law enforcement and community efforts effectively reducing criminal activity and providing a safer environment for its residents.

How To Keep Safe in West Malling

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in West Malling. 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.

Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage 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 shoplifting being a common property-related issue, ensure that personal items are not left unattended in public spaces. Vehicle crime is a particular risk at night, when it accounts for 51% 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 theft rates are higher (51% of incidents), 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.

West Malling'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 42% of reports as local retail and commercial activity begins. This trend peaks in the afternoon (12pm-6pm), where theft-related offences rise to 51% of all incidents. The evening hours (6pm-12am) see a significant change, with 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, dominating the statistics at 58%. At night (12am-6am), while the total number of crimes is lower, the risk to vehicles increases dramatically, with vehicle crime making up 51% 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, West Malling's crime rate of 95.5 per 1,000 people highlights it as one of the more active urban choices in the region. It is more active than Ryarsh (40.2) and Kings Hill (45.1). While some smaller rural areas like Offham and Addington reported 0.0 in this dataset, West Malling offers a balanced urban environment with a safety record that is close to the national average. For those seeking a safe, well-connected town in Kent, West Malling remains a solid choice for residential safety, especially given its recent decrease in crime.

With a property crime rate of 34.3 per 1,000, West Malling is a safe area, but property crime is slightly higher than the national average. The high prevalence of vehicle crime and shoplifting suggests that opportunistic incidents are a factor. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or doorbell cameras, are reactive—they simply record an event as it happens. For homeowners in West Malling who want to maintain their 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 51% 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.