Kennington Crime Rate

Crime in Kennington

Kennington is one of the safest urban settlements in the region, featuring an overall crime rate of just 35.5 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.1, earning the area an elite safety score of 92/100. Compared to the UK average safety score of 78, Kennington stands out as a highly secure community. Recent data is also encouraging, showing a decreasing crime trend with a 14.3% year-over-year reduction in total offences. This combination of low existing crime and a downward trajectory makes Kennington an attractive location for those prioritizing safety. The following analysis explores the specific types of crime reported and the times they are most likely to occur.

Crime Breakdown in Kennington

Crime in Kennington is characterized by a low volume of incidents, with violence and sexual offences being the most frequently reported type at 49 cases, or 30.2% of the total. This is followed by shoplifting (13.6%) and a three-way tie between public order, vehicle crime, and criminal damage/arson, each accounting for 10.5%. These figures reflect a typical suburban safety profile where most issues are non-confrontational or opportunistic.

The overall property crime rate in Kennington is just 15.6 per 1,000 residents, which is less than half the UK average of 32.9. This broad category includes 6 burglaries, 17 vehicle crimes, and 22 shoplifting incidents. For homeowners, the low burglary rate (1.3 per 1,000) is particularly reassuring, though the vehicle crime rate suggests that car security remains a point of consideration for the community.

The combination of low property crime and a high safety score suggests that Kennington is a secure environment. However, the presence of shoplifting and vehicle crime indicates that while serious crime is rare, opportunistic offences still occur. Residents can feel confident in their safety but should remain mindful of basic security protocols to maintain this low-crime environment.

Crime Trends in Kennington

Kennington is currently experiencing a healthy decline in criminal activity, with a 14.3% year-over-year decrease in total crimes. This downward trend is a strong indicator of the area's ongoing safety. Monthly data from late 2024 and 2025 shows that crime rates remained consistently low, with a notable dip in December 2024 to just 1.5 per 1,000 residents.

While there were slight fluctuations, such as minor peaks in February, April, and June 2025 (all around 4.4 to 4.6), these represent very low absolute numbers given Kennington's population. The most recent data from October 2025 shows the rate sitting at 2.6, well below the year's peaks. For residents, these statistics confirm that Kennington is not only a low-crime area but is also maintaining a trajectory that suggests it is becoming even safer over time. Community vigilance and effective local policing appear to be keeping opportunistic crime well under control.

How To Keep Safe in Kennington

The most common crime type in Kennington is violence and sexual offences. While the overall numbers are low, it is important to remain aware and take proactive steps for personal safety.

To stay safe in Kennington, consider these tips:

• Park in Well-Lit Areas: Since vehicle crime is one of the more frequent property offences, ensure your car is parked in a well-lit driveway or under street lighting.
• Be Mindful During Afternoon Hours: Burglary and shoplifting are more frequent in the afternoon; ensure your home is locked even if you are only out for a short time.
• Report Suspicious Activity: In a small community, noticing something out of place is common. Reporting loitering can prevent opportunistic crime.
• Enhance Boundary Security: Use gravel paths or motion-activated lighting to create natural deterrents around your property.
• Stay Connected: Join local neighbourhood watch groups to stay informed about any rare spikes in local activity.

Temporal Crime Patterns in Kennington

Analyzing when crime occurs in Kennington reveals significant shifts in the type of risk throughout the day. The night-time hours (12am - 6am) are dominated by vehicle crime, which accounts for a staggering 52% of all incidents reported during this period. This suggests that vehicles parked on streets or driveways are most vulnerable in the early hours of the morning.

During the daylight hours, the risks change. In the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), burglary reaches its peak proportional frequency at 23%. This aligns with typical UK patterns where burglars target homes while residents are at work or running errands. The morning hours (6am - 12pm) also see a notable amount of vehicle-related activity (31%), indicating that thefts from vehicles may be discovered or occur as the day begins. In contrast, the evening (6pm - 12am) is characterized by a higher percentage of 'Other' offences, often relating to public order or anti-social behaviour as people return home.

Nearby Area Comparison

Kennington is part of an exceptionally low-crime corridor. When compared to nearby Radley, which has a crime rate of 33.3 per 1,000, Kennington is very similar in its safety profile. Remarkably, several immediate neighbours including Sandford-on-Thames, Bayworth, and South Hinksey have reported zero crimes in the latest data period. While Kennington has a slightly higher rate due to its larger population and commercial elements, it remains a pillar of safety within the Vale of White Horse local authority.

Proactive Protection for Kennington Homes

In an area as safe as Kennington, where the property crime rate is a low 15.6 per 1,000 residents, the goal of home security is to maintain that peace of mind. While the risk of burglary is statistically very low, the presence of vehicle crime (10.5% of total crime) suggests that driveways and perimeters are the most likely points of interest for opportunistic offenders.

Traditional security systems often fail because they are reactive; they record a crime as it happens but do nothing to stop it. For Kennington residents, scOS offers a proactive alternative. By using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence, scOS can detect a person loitering near a vehicle or property boundary instantly. Because it understands patterns and recognises familiar faces, it only alerts you to genuine threats. More importantly, it can autonomously respond by engaging lights or audio deterrents, stopping a crime before it even begins. In a high-safety area, professional-grade proactive security is about preventing the rare incident from ever occurring.