Kennington Crime Rate

Kennington's crime rate of 37.5 per 1,000 residents is 58.8% below the UK average, making it one of the safest areas in the Vale of White Horse. However, a sharp 250% year-on-year increase in burglary highlights a worrying trend that requires attention. While overall crime is down 5.5% compared to the previous year, this surge in burglary is particularly pronounced, likely reflecting targeted opportunities in residential areas.

Kennington is a built-up area within the Vale of White Horse, characterized by a mix of residential and commercial properties. Its proximity to nearby towns and a relatively low population density likely contribute to its crime profile. As a commuter hub with a strong local community, Kennington's crime trends may reflect seasonal variations in foot traffic and local events.

The most surprising finding in Kennington's crime breakdown is the 250% year-on-year increase in burglary, despite remaining 53% below the UK average. This spike may be linked to targeted opportunities in residential areas during periods of low occupancy, such as holidays or short-term absences. Anti-social behaviour, which rose 111% YoY, likely reflects increased social interactions during warmer months or local events. Vehicle crime, though 28% below the UK average, shows a 16.7% decrease YoY, possibly due to improved street lighting or community awareness. Theft-related crimes, including shoplifting and other theft, remain significantly below the UK average, suggesting effective local policing or community engagement.

Kennington's overall crime rate decreased by 5.5% year-on-year, with notable declines in shoplifting (-71.8% YoY) and vehicle crime (-16.7% YoY). However, burglary surged 250% YoY, marking the most significant upward trend. This spike likely reflects targeted opportunities during periods of low occupancy, such as holidays or short-term absences. The monthly trend shows a peak in June 2025 (4.6 per 1,000/month), possibly linked to increased outdoor activity and tourism during warmer months. Despite these fluctuations, Kennington remains 58.8% below the UK average, highlighting its overall safety.

How To Keep Safe in Kennington

Given the 250% YoY increase in burglary, securing homes against opportunistic theft is crucial. Lock doors and windows even when away, and consider installing motion-sensor lighting in high-traffic areas. For vehicle crime, park in well-lit, monitored spaces and use anti-theft devices. Anti-social behaviour, which rose 111% YoY, may be linked to seasonal events—stay aware of local gatherings and report any suspicious activity promptly. These steps align with Kennington's safety profile, ensuring proactive prevention without alarmism.

Crime in Kennington peaks during evening and night hours, with vehicle crime surging to 51% of all night-time incidents. This aligns with reduced visibility and increased vehicle movement in residential areas after dark. Theft, however, peaks in the afternoon (38% of incidents), potentially linked to retail activity or unattended belongings. Other crimes, such as criminal damage and arson, show higher frequency in the evening, possibly tied to local gatherings or alcohol-related incidents. Vehicle crime spikes at night, likely due to parked cars in poorly lit areas becoming easy targets for opportunistic theft.

Compared to Radley, which has a crime rate of 39.7 per 1,000 (6% higher than Kennington), Kennington remains a safer option. This difference may be attributed to Kennington's lower population density and stronger community engagement initiatives, which likely contribute to its consistently lower crime rates.

In Kennington's low-crime environment, scOS offers a proportionate level of home security without overcomplicating daily life. With a burglary rate of 1.5 per 1,000, scOS's AI-powered perimeter detection can identify threats before they reach your property. Its automated lighting and speaker systems deter intruders, while remote configuration ensures minimal disruption. At £19/month, scOS provides peace of mind aligned with Kennington's safety score of 91/100, ensuring your home remains protected without excessive measures.