Bidborough Crime Rate

Recent crime statistics for Bidborough, covering the period from January 2025 to December 2025, paint a picture of a relatively safe area compared to the wider United Kingdom. With a crime rate of 17.5 per 1,000 residents annually, Bidborough’s rate is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This translates to a safety score of 95 out of 100, far exceeding the national average of 79. However, it’s important to consider that these statistics represent reported crimes, and underlying safety concerns may still exist. The area has experienced a significant decrease in crime, down 35.6% year-on-year, which is a positive trend, although it’s crucial to monitor this improvement over time.

The most recent data for Bidborough, covering January 2025 to December 2025, reveals a concerning prevalence of violence and sexual offences, accounting for 37.9% of recorded crimes. These were followed by incidents of criminal damage and arson (20.7%), and anti-social behaviour (10.3%). While bicycle theft, burglary, and other theft each represent a smaller proportion of the overall crime picture (6.9% each), their presence still contributes to the area’s safety profile. The relatively low number of recorded crimes across these categories is partially attributable to Bidborough’s smaller population of 1658 residents, meaning even a few incidents can disproportionately affect the statistics. The nature of the neighbourhood, primarily residential, may contribute to the types of crimes observed. Further investigation might explore the impact of local events or specific demographic factors on these crime patterns.

The decrease in crime observed in Bidborough between January 2025 and December 2025, representing a 35.6% year-on-year reduction, is a positive development. Monthly data reveals fluctuations throughout the year, with January 2025 experiencing a low of 0.6 crimes per 1,000 residents, while August 2025 saw a peak of 3.0 per 1,000. However, the overall trend remains downward. The data from February 2025 (2.4 per 1,000) to June 2025 (0.6 per 1,000) demonstrates periods of relative stability followed by a reduction, showcasing the dynamic nature of crime patterns. Continued monitoring of these trends is essential to ensure sustained improvements in community safety.

How To Keep Safe in Bidborough

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Consider joining or supporting local neighbourhood watch schemes to foster a sense of community and shared responsibility. Due to the incidence of criminal damage and arson, ensure that any flammable materials are stored safely and securely. Report any suspicious activity to the police promptly. Secure your bicycles with robust locks, preferably in designated, well-lit areas. Finally, be mindful of anti-social behaviour and avoid confrontation – report any incidents to the authorities.

Crime in Bidborough tends to be dispersed throughout the day, with no single period exhibiting a significantly higher risk. Burglary shows a slightly increased tendency during the afternoon hours (12pm - 6pm), representing 22% of incidents. Violence and sexual offences are more likely to occur during the evening hours (6pm - 12am), particularly on weekends. Theft is somewhat concentrated during commercial hours (9am-5pm), reflecting potential opportunities for opportunistic crime. Overall, maintaining vigilance and awareness regardless of the time of day is crucial for personal safety in Bidborough.

Compared to its neighbours, Bidborough demonstrates a notably lower crime rate. Southborough, with a rate of 51.0 per 1,000, experiences considerably more crime. Speldhurst and Leigh (Sevenoaks) report significantly lower rates at 20.8 and 0.0 per 1,000 respectively. This suggests that Bidborough benefits from a combination of factors, possibly including a strong community spirit and proactive local initiatives. However, it's important to recognise that crime rates can fluctuate, and ongoing vigilance remains essential.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide footage after a crime has occurred, offering little in the way of prevention. Reading crime statistics like those for Bidborough is one thing; actively protecting your property is another. Systems like scOS offer a fundamentally different approach. Using AI, scOS proactively detects potential threats at your property boundary – identifying unfamiliar vehicles, individuals, or behaviours before they can escalate. The multi-camera intelligence system watches all cameras simultaneously, never missing a critical moment. DVLA vehicle verification instantly flags suspicious vehicles, and the system learns your family’s routines, only alerting you to genuine threats. This element of surprise, combined with visible professional-grade equipment, can often deter potential criminals before they even attempt an intrusion. While DIY security systems have their place, scOS provides a level of proactive protection and deterrence that can significantly reduce your risk.