Understanding the crime statistics for an area is an absolutely essential consideration. Whether you’re planning to relocate your family there, or you’re a budding entrepreneur with dreams of big business in the region, crime statistics can form the basis of effective research.
As one of the UK’s foremost providers of security services, Churchill Support Services understands just how pivotal these statistics are in making an informed decision about where you choose to move to.
In this post, we’ll examine all the necessary statistics on crimes in the South East of England, drawing your attention to the key points you’ll need to know for the security of your business and home, as well as looking at how safe each area of this region of England is.
By using local, open-source police reports, as well as independent aggregator Brighton Analytics, we’re able to provide a completely unbiased overview of every district in the South East. All of this information is for the last calendar year, so the data is as up-to-date as it can be.
We’ll then display this as a ratio of the number of crimes per 1,000 residents, to give you a more complete picture of the area you’re considering. This also allows us to account for population and area size, while still give statistics that reflect the safety and security of an area.
This comprehensive exploration will look at all the major towns and cities from across the South East, as well as the most prevalent crimes in each area.
From the majesty of the Royal Pavilion at Brighton and Portsmouth’s imposing Spinnaker Tower, to the cascading white cliffs where heritage meets the high seas in Kent, the South East has some of England’s most attractive countryside, as well as some of its more vibrant nightlife and communities.
With picturesque pockets protected by UNESCO, and a deep and storied history thanks to its castles and stately homes and buildings, there’s little in the way to spoil such a charming corner of the patchwork English landscape.
It makes sense, then, that the South East would crime rate that matches its more sedate pace of life, and with 78.8 crimes per 1000 residents, it’s in the top 3 safest regions across the UK. That’s unfortunately not to say it’s crime-free, however.
There are still substantial figures in violent crime (295,016 incidents), theft (205,441 incidents) and public order offences (80,259 incidents), all of which underline the need for effective security in the South East.
However, that’s not to say that every area in the South East shares similar statistics. Let’s look at the major areas of the region, and how they stack up against the regional average.
One of Hampshire’s foremost military towns, the town of Aldershot has strong ties to the British military, as well as a flourishing commercial centre. That resplendent history is offset, though, by the town’s higher rate of crime – 86.6 crimes per 1000 residents.
The most prominent crimes are violent crimes (2292 offences) and antisocial behaviour (783 offences), but with shoplifting (331 offences) rates over a quarter higher than the county average, it’s clearly a point of concern for Aldershot security.
A riverside town with a well-charted past thanks to its period architecture, the town of Andover is a hidden gem of Hampshire. However, in spite of its focus on history and heritage, Andover’s crime rate soars above the county’s average, reaching 106.5 crimes per 1000 residents.
High figures across violent crime (2449 incidents), public order offences (635 incidents) and antisocial behaviour (579 incidents) all contribute towards that climbing crime rate.
A thriving hub for retail and business in Kent, the town of Ashford brings in a colossal 3 million visitors per year thanks to its sprawling retail spaces. Its popularity means it’s unfortunately experienced a growing rate of crime, with a rate of 108.9 crimes per 1000 residents.
There’s substantial figures in both violent crime (3905 offences) and antisocial behaviour (1391 offences), but a surprising concern is bicycle theft (126 offences), which is more than one-and-a-half times the countywide average.
One of Buckinghamshire’s cultural hubs thanks to its UK-leading centre for arts and culture, Aylesbury offers much in the way of enrichment of the mind and soul. Unfortunately though, that comes at a price, with an above average crime rate of 89.8 crimes per 1000 residents sullying an otherwise picturesque corner of the county.
That rate includes high figures across violent crime (2998 incidents), public order offences (946 incidents) and antisocial behaviour (607 incidents), although there’s substantial cause for concern in all areas of Aylesbury security.
One of England’s most historic market towns, Banbury nestles on the banks of the Cherwell river in the Oxfordshire countryside. Banbury’s soaring rate of crime is in disparity with its chocolate box locale, with a rate of 121.5 crimes per 1000 residents.
The most common crime in that is violent crime (2784 offences), but there’s also substantial numbers across antisocial behaviour (670 offences) and criminal damage (530 offences) that contribute towards that inflated rate.
One of the most populous places in its county of Hampshire, the town of Basingstoke is one of the UK’s more important centres for commerce, with a thriving local economy. It’s that economic injection that’s contributed towards the town’s relatively stable crime rate of 85.3 crimes per 1000 residents.
Of course, that doesn’t mean the town is crime-free, and there’s still causes for concern, especially across violent crime (4942 incidents), antisocial behaviour (1454 incidents) and public order offences (1212 incidents).
A premier seaside jewel in the crowning coast of Sussex, Bexhill-on-Sea is far more than a holiday destination, offering some of England’s most prominent archaeological sites, as well as the well-renowned De La Warr Pavilion. It’s also one of the safer areas of its county, with a rate of just 64.8 crimes per 1000 residents.
It’s unfortunately not crime-free, though. There’s still a prevalence of violent crime (1344 offences) and antisocial behaviour (563 offences), as well as criminal damage (464 offences), which is a quarter higher than the countywide average.
One of Oxfordshire’s most rapidly expanding areas, Bicester has coupled a climbing population with substantial economic investment, meaning a thriving market town. As the population grows though, so does the crime rate – 102.3 crimes per 1000 residents.
The most prevalent offence is violent crime (1078 incidents), but it’s the town’s rate of shoplifting (788 incidents) that’s the most concerning statistic, as it’s more than 4-and-a-half time the county’s average.
Perhaps best known as one of Sussex’s most iconic seaside resorts, it’s Bognor Regis’ illustrious history with holidaymakers that’s ensured it’s long persisted in memory. However, that veneer of leisure and sunshine hides the town’s alarming crime rate – 110 crimes per 1000 residents, or just over 1 in 10.
There’s many stats that spark concern for Bognor Regis security, but it’s the startling figures in violent crime (1291 offences) and antisocial behaviour (484 offences) that really drive home the issues in Bognor.
One of Berkshire’s main attractions thanks to its large shopping centre and surrounding forests, Bracknell offers a hub for both shoppers and businesses thanks to its myriad of opportunities for both pleasure and professionalism. It’s this balance that assures the town’s lower rate of crime, at 70.7 crimes per 1000 residents.
There’s still concerning trends, though. With considerable figures in violent crime (2720 incidents), antisocial behaviour (717 incidents) and public order offences (698 incidents), Bracknell still has its points of focus for security.
One of the UK’s coastal hotspots, and home to some of the most iconic piers and waterfronts countrywide, the Sussex city of Brighton often has a reputation that precedes it. A shimmering beacon on England’s southern coast, you might expect the crime rate to reflect its attractive surroundings.
Unfortunately, though, with a crime rate of 103.3 crimes per 1000 residents, Brighton’s crime rate serves to tinge the positives of the city with an undercurrent of sobering realism. High rates in violent crime (9293 offences) and antisocial behaviour (4429 offences) are among the largest concerns for Brighton security.
A bustling hub for business in Sussex, the parish town of Burgess Hill balances a quaint exterior with a beating, modern heart of commerce. It’s this juxtaposition that means the town holds a comparatively low rate of crime, at just 53.7 crimes per 1000 residents.
There is a cause for concern, though, with the rate having risen year on year since 2016. There’s now higher figures across violent crime (694 offences) and antisocial behaviour (303 offences), and the town’s statistics on criminal damage (269 offences) are 20% higher than the county average.
A charming town on Surrey’s westernmost reaches, Camberley is perhaps most commonly associated with its close ties to the British military, as well as its proximity to the extensive Windsor Park. It’s this quiet lifestyle that maintains Camberley’s lower crime rate – 65.1 crimes per 1000 residents in the town.
There are still inherent risks, though, namely the town’s prevalence of violent crime (1014 incidents), antisocial behaviour (596 incidents) and criminal damage (258 incidents). All of these spark cause for concern, and increased focus on Camberley security and safety.
The titular city of Chaucer’s tales, Canterbury is far more than a literary setting. As one of its county’s largest cities, and home to some of the UK’s most visually stunning architecture in its cathedrals, it can come as a shock that Canterbury has an above-average crime rate at 100.9 crimes per 1000 residents.
In that ratio, there’s startling figures in both violent crime (7516 offences) and criminal damage (1931 offences), which underscore the need for effective security in Canterbury.
Overlooking the River Medway from a perch atop its sloping banks, the Kentish town of Chatham seems on the surface to offer an idyllic setting. However, that exterior hides an ugly truth in its crime rate – a significant 123.3 crimes per 1000 residents.
That rate is largely comprised of soaring figures in violent crime (5072 incidents), antisocial behaviour (1637 incidents) and criminal damage (1134 incidents), but there’s equal concern for Chatham’s high rate of robbery (117 incidents), or more than double the county’s average.
With some of Sussex’s richest and most storied history, the cathedral city of Chichester dates itself back to the Roman era, with remnants of the city’s original fortifications providing a key attraction for history enthusiasts countrywide. What’s less attractive, though, is the city’s shocking crime rate – 135.2 crimes per 1000 residents.
In that ratio we find climbing figures across violent crime (1333 incidents), antisocial behaviour (569 incidents) and shoplifting (530 incidents), as well as rate of bicycle theft (277 incidents) that’s more than 5 times the county average.
One of England and Sussex’s oldest towns, with roots dating back as far as the Stone Age, the market town of Crawley has since modernised, and now represents a clear-cut choice for retailers and shoppers alike. Digging deeper, there’s a crime rate that unfortunately offsets that contemporary shift, reaching 95.9 crimes per 1000 residents.
Crawley’s most prominent crimes are violent offences (4642 incidents), antisocial behaviour (1534 incidents) and public order offences (1318 incidents), all of which highlight the need to invest in Crawley security.
Formerly the busiest port across the whole of England, Deal is now better known as one of Kent’s seaside towns and resorts, largely thanks to expansive and sandy seafront. It’s this more sedate location that feeds into the town’s stability in its crime rate – 76.5 crimes per 1000 residents.
Of course, as middling as that rate of crime is, there are still standout stats. Violent crime (862 incidents) and antisocial behaviour (228 incidents) are the most prominent, but there’s also a key problem with bicycle theft (16 incidents), which is more than 20% above the countywide average.
Famed for its stark white cliffs and sweeping coastlines that epitomise an English seaside, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Dover was more than just a town in Kent. It’s not the only thing you may not expect from the Kentish town, especially given its staggering crime rate of 168.2 crimes per 1000 residents.
With exceptionally high figures across violent crime (2971 offences), antisocial behaviour (1010 offences), and criminal damage (626 offences), Dover has one of the more shocking rates seen across the whole of the county.
East Grinstead’s largest claim to fame is its expertly preserved line of timber-framed buildings on the High Street, which is the longest in the country. While the town is relatively unknown of that impressive architectural feat, that’s worked to its advantage with its low crime rate of just 45.4 crimes per 1000 residents.
There’s still areas of improvement, however. That’s especially true across violent crime (530 incidents) and antisocial behaviour (298 incidents), although the trend in recent years has been positive.
With its beach hut-flanked coastlines, and sandy shores that attract substantial tourism throughout the year, Eastbourne is one Sussex’s more popular seaside destinations. With that popularity does come some concern for crime, however, with the town attracting a rate of 84.3 crimes per 1000 residents.
As part of that, there’s concerning statistics across violent crime (4414 incidents), antisocial behaviour (1808 incidents) and public order offences (1251 incidents), all of which prompt additional focus on Eastbourne security services.
Bordering the chalky banks of the Itchen, Eastleigh attracts far more than fly fishers with its riverside attractions and retail opportunities. Sadly though, its crime rate clearly shows that, as part of that draw, criminals see opportunity and the crime rate inflates to a rate of 112 crimes per 1000 residents.
There’s significant rates across violent crime (1392 incidents), antisocial behaviour (405 incidents) and public order offences (380 incidents), but of equal concern is the rate of bicycle theft in the town (129 incidents) – more than double the countywide average!
With an illustrious past in horse racing and sport, the Surrey town of Epsom has long maintained that reputation with its culture and green spaces. The slight caveat to that famed history is that Epsom’s crime rate has steadily risen to a rate of 76.8 crimes per 1000 residents.
That rate includes substantial statistics across violent crime (998 incidents), antisocial behaviour (768 incidents), and criminal damage (267 incidents), as well as a rate of theft from the person (55 incidents) that’s almost 3 times the county’s average.
A quaint Surrey town that’s best known for its verdant parklands and racing courses, Esher is a relatively unknown corner of its county. It’s for that reason the town has a comparatively low crime rate of 50 crimes per 1000 residents, or around 1 in 20.
There’s still cause for security concern in Esher, though. Notable statistics include violent crime (995 incidents), antisocial behaviour (475 incidents) and public order offences (315 incidents).
A town heavily grounded in its Bronze Age and Roman history, Ewell attracts families and businesses alike with its signature blend of green spaces and thriving local economy. It’s that mix that’s a key factor in the Surrey town’s lower rate of crime – 48.5 crimes per 1000 residents.
Of course, there’s still areas to improve upon within that, and especially so across the town’s statistics in violent crime (1071 incidents), antisocial behaviour (626 incidents) and public order offences (325 incidents).
A prosperous port town on the north-western reaches of Portsmouth’s busy harbour, Fareham owes much of its repute to its strong seafaring trade roots. It’s this history of strong work ethic that keeps Fareham’s crime rate stable at 57.5 crimes per 1000 residents.
Within that, though, there’s still substantial numbers across violent crime (3122 incidents), antisocial behaviour (998 incidents) and public order offences (828 incidents), with other types of crime staying relatively well-managed by local police forces and Fareham security services.
One of many settlements by the same name across the UK, Farnborough in Hampshire is one of the more populous and prosperous areas of its county. It’s with that booming population that the crime rate starts to increase, however, with the town seeing around 82.8 crimes per 1000 residents.
As with many towns and cities countrywide, the more common occurrences are violent crimes (2342 offences) and antisocial behaviour (885 offences), but also of note in Farnborough is the inflated rate of vehicle crime (473 offences), which is 30% higher than the county’s average.
One of the more affluent areas of its county Hampshire, the charming town of Fleet offers a fusion of well-maintained green spaces and a bustling market centre. Its affluence and upkept image are arguably key contributors towards the towns stable rate of crime – 53.3 crimes per 1000 residents.
Of course, Fleet still faces its issues. There’s substantial numbers in both violent crime (540 incidents) and antisocial behaviour (173 incidents), and the town’s rate of bicycle theft (41 incidents) is more than 15% higher than the countywide average.
A harbourside town that enjoys some of the best views across Kent thanks to the towering reaches of The Leas, Folkestone offers a thriving local economy to supplement those sweeping vistas. It unfortunately also offers one of the higher rates of crime in the county, at 124.5 crimes per 1000 residents.
Within that soaring crime rate, there’s significant figures across violent crime (3021 offences), antisocial behaviour (1101 offences), and criminal damage (648 offences), but there’s also warranted concern for the town’s issues with drug crime (236 offences), which is more than twice the county’s average.
One of Kent’s most well-renowned riverside towns, Gillingham’s ties to naval history and the Medway estuary ensure its become an attractive prospect for businesses and families. Perhaps not as attractive, though, is the town’s above-average crime rate of 107 crimes per 1000 residents.
Within that ratio, we see high figures across violent crime (5672 incidents), antisocial behaviour (1733 incidents) and criminal damage (1435 incidents), all of which spark concern for Gillingham security and safety.
Gosport’s links to the British naval industry are undeniable, and given its position on the fringes of Portsmouth’s natural harbour, it’s a smart choice for tourism and business alike. However, with that increased influx of visitors comes an increased crime rate, which sits at 89.7 crimes per 1000 residents.
Like many of the UK’s cities and towns, the more pressing issues for Gosport security are violent crime (4028 incidents), antisocial behaviour (1376 incidents), and public order offences (893 incidents).
One of the key commuter towns for the Thames Gateway and wider London area, Gravesend represents a great prospect for young professionals on the surface. Looking deeper, though, it’s clear that the crime rate of 118.3 crimes per 1000 residents overshadows that ideal location slightly.
Plus, with climbing rates across violent crime (3240 offences), antisocial behaviour (1249 offences), and criminal damage (760 offences), the need for effective Kent security is abundantly clear in Gravesend especially.
A Surrey hotspot that’s deeply rooted in its history and heritage, the town of Guildford can date itself back as far as the early Stone Age, and has since become a thriving economy in the west of its county. That economic growth, coupled with its strong sense of the past, ensures the town stays stable on the crime front – 78.5 crimes per 1000 residents.
However, there are a couple of standout stats that can cause some trepidation when considering Guildford for your business or home. Violent crime (2620 offences) and antisocial behaviour (1534 offences) are the most prevalent, but shoplifting (669 offences) is more than double the countywide average.
When many think of Hastings, it’s natural they’d go to the infamous battle, and for good reason. It’s synonymous with the town, but the place itself offers much outside its storied history. Unfortunately, alongside its thriving markets and green spaces, there’s a soaring crime rate of 102.9 crimes per 1000 residents.
As part of that, there’s substantial figures in violent crime (4264 incidents), antisocial behaviour (1655 incidents), and public order offences (1216 incidents).
One of the largest centres for population boom following the Second World War, Havant has developed significantly since that time, becoming a thriving modern town for its increasing townsfolk. As the town has grown, so too has its crime rate, reaching approximately 88 crimes per 1000 residents.
Violent crime (5529 incidents) and antisocial behaviour (1629 incidents) are the two most prevalent concerns for security in Havant, with both crime types being 10% higher than the county’s average.
A relatively small town with a backdrop of agriculture and farming, Haywards Heath is one of Sussex’s more quaint areas, offering a sedate lifestyle and quiet spots for homes and businesses. That nature ensures the town has one of the lowest crime rates across the region, at just 45.3 crimes per 1000 residents.
Of course, there are still issues with crime in Haywards Heath. As with many areas nationwide, there’s still a presence of violent crime (629 incidents), antisocial behaviour (238 incidents) and public order offences (188 incidents).
While now a fading destination for holidaymakers, the Kentish town of Herne Bay still offers idyllic seaside scenery and an attractive coastal charm for those looking for a calmer locale. Not quite as calm, however, is the town’s crime rate – 72 crimes per 1000 residents.
Within that rate are significant figures across both violent crime (1494 offences) and antisocial behaviour (494 offences), as well as a rate of burglary (162 offences) that’s more than 10% above the county average.
As the largest town in its county of Buckinghamshire, High Wycombe often represents the clear-cut choice for those looking to invest in the area, and particularly so for budding entrepreneurs. It’s essential, then, to take into account the area’s crime rate of 87.9 crimes per 1000 residents.
Especially important to note for business security in Wycombe are the town’s tendency towards violent crime (3750 incidents), theft (1129 incidents), and public order offences (1122 incidents).
One of Sussex’s more prominent market towns, and one that’s steeped in history as far back as 950 AD, Horsham has much to offer those considering the area. Among those offerings, however, is the town’s substantial crime rate of 85 crimes per 1000 residents.
As part of that, the more prevalent issues include violent crime (912 offences), antisocial behaviour (409 offences) and shoplifting (346 offences).
Leatherhead, while not a particularly well-known corner of Surrey, has one of the more well-traced histories of anywhere across the county, with clear evidence dating the town back to the Iron Age. It’s this strong sense of history and heritage, as well as its relative anonymity, that means Leatherhead’s crime rate is lower than you might anticipate – 54.4 crimes per 1000 residents.
Unsurprisingly, though, there’s still a pressing need for security in Leatherhead due to the town’s rates in violent crime (707 incidents), antisocial behaviour (415 incidents), and public order offences (226 incidents).
A melding of both seaside industry in its renowned harbour, and the green spaces that punctuate its bustling centre, Littlehampton offers something to suit a wide range of lifestyles. In spite of its accommodating nature, there’s still a substantial rate of crime – 98 crimes per 1000 residents.
As part of that, there’s high rates in violent crime (1233 offences), antisocial behaviour (610 offences) and criminal damage (395 offences).
Bisected by the infamous River Thames, Maidenhead is perhaps best known for its thriving marketplaces and riverside walkways, alongside its links to the rail industry. In spite of its size and relative popularity, its crime rate remains somewhat stable at 66.2 crimes per 1000 residents.
That’s not to say the town is completely crime free, however. With significant figures across violent crime (1934 incidents), public order offences (529 incidents), and antisocial behaviour (444 incidents), it’s clear that there’s still an urgent need for effective Maidenhead security.
As the largest town in its county of Kent, Maidstone is a clear choice when considering the area, and especially so given its lively markets and burgeoning local economy. However, as we’ve seen, it’s vital to look at crime rates alongside those positive, and Maidstone’s crime rate of 95.8 crimes per 1000 residents casts doubts over that choice.
With startling figures in both violent crime (5721 offences) and antisocial behaviour (1828 offences), as well as a rate of drug crime (327 offences) that’s 25% higher than the county’s average, Maidstone may not be the right choice.
A large district of the Kentish countryside that’s so named because of its position on the river of the same name, Medway offers some of the most interesting strategic history across England, from the naval dockyard to the heavily fortified castles. That rich history is offset, however, by the area’s soaring crime rate – 116.3 crimes per 1000 residents.
The real issues facing the district come from high figures in violent crime (11,430 offences), criminal damage (3699 offences) and theft (2356 offences), which together make up over 59% of the total crime in the region.
One of the more sprawling urban areas of Buckinghamshire, the city of Milton Keynes is one of England’s youngest, having only recently received the city status. However, its expansive nature has meant an expanding crime rate, with the city reaching 104.3 crimes per 1000 residents.
Within that rate, there’s substantial statistics in violent crime (8360 incidents), public order offences (2257 incidents), and criminal damage (1731 incidents).
Newbury offers some of the more diverse architecture UK-wide, with timber-framed buildings rubbing shoulders with the modern offices of multinational corporations. Unfortunately though, that blending of eras doesn’t equate to a lower rate of crime, with the town seeing around 104.3 crimes per 1000 residents.
While there’s expectedly high numbers in violent crime (1460 incidents) and public order offences (582 incidents), it’s the town’s substantial rate of drug offences (142 incidents) that’s startling, as it’s more than double the countywide average.
One of the world’s most prestigious university cities, Oxford’s reputation more often than not precedes it, especially in regards to education. What often doesn’t get mentioned, however, is the city’s substantial crime rate of 104.4 crimes per 1000 residents.
Digging deeper into that rate, there’s alarming figures across violent crime (6268 incidents), public order offences (2183 incidents), and theft (1484 incidents), all of which highlight the need for investment in Oxford security.
One of the most prominent cities along the southern coast, Portsmouth is one of the more literal city names across the UK. With its huge natural harbour, flanked by the towering resplendence of Spinnaker Tower, it’s disheartening to learn that Portsmouth’s crime rate is so high – a sizeable 122.1 crimes per 1000 residents.
Violent crime (12,994 incidents), public order offences (3490 incidents), and antisocial behaviour (3392 incidents) make up the three most prevalent crimes, but a sharp increase in robbery (288 incidents) means its more than double the countywide average.
One of the key tourism hotspots on Kent’s south coast, the largest claim to fame for Ramsgate is its huge marina, as well as its sandy stretches of shoreline. That rosy exterior unfortunately hides a shocking rate of crime – 136.2 crimes per 1000 residents, which is more than 72% higher than the region’s overall rate.
High statistics across violent crime (3011 offences), antisocial behaviour (962 offences), and criminal damage (683 offences) are the key contributors towards Ramsgate’s soaring crime rate.
One of the more green areas of the county, Redhill’s streams and tributaries form a criss-cross across the town’s patchwork landscape of marketplaces and retail opportunities. It’s this picturesque setting that earns Redhill a comparatively lower crime rate of 70.8 crimes per 1000 residents.
There’s still pressing issues across violent crime (1136 incidents), antisocial behaviour (637 incidents) and public order offences (351 incidents), all of which highlight the need for effective security services in Redhill.
Among the UK’s leading centres for information technology and commercial business, Reading is often at the very top of any list a flourishing entrepreneur might make. Unfortunately, that’s slightly offset by Reading’s slightly inflated rate of crime – 93.1 crimes per 1000 residents.
While there’s a few key standout statistics, such as the high figures in violent crime (9702 offences) and antisocial behaviour (2348 offences), the rate of bicycle theft (979 offences) is more than 60% higher than the average for Berkshire.
One of the more historic towns across Kent, thanks in large part to its links to Anglo-Saxon and Roman military, Rochester attracts steady streams of visitors for its crumbling ruins and preserved castles. Less attractive, though, is the town’s high rate of crime, with statistics placing it at 105.4 crimes per 1000 residents.
The bulk of that rate is made up by 3 types of criminal activity – violent crime (3566 incidents), antisocial behaviour (1044 incidents), and criminal damage (633 incidents).
One of just 4 towns UK-wide to have been granted the royal prefix, Tunbridge Wells couples prestigious and sweeping architecture with the conveniences we’ve come to expect from a modern town centre. Plus, with such a varied blend of cultures and greenery, there’s a low crime rate as a result – 70.7 crimes per 1000 residents in the town.
Of course, there’s more to that rate than just a low average. The town, like many countrywide, still faces its issues with violent crime (2001 offences), antisocial behaviour (680 offences) and criminal damage (429 offences).
When many imagine Kent, it’s Sevenoaks they picture. With sweeping emerald fields and stately manors and homes, the town epitomises the laid-back lifestyle we associate with the English south. With that more easy-going nature comes a comparatively low rate of crime, with 71.3 crimes per 1000 residents.
In spite of that placid exterior, though, there’s still room for improvement. That’s particularly evident in the town’s figures on violent crime (546 incidents) and theft (224 incidents).
As the name implies, the quaint town of Shoreham occupies a sought-after spot on the Kentish coastline, encompassing sweeping coastlines and the lush greenery of Mill and Southwick Hills. That landscape also means a calmer locale, with Shoreham having a relatively low crime rate of just 57.2 crimes per 1000 residents.
While the overarching rate is low, there’s still points to consider in terms of Shoreham security and safety. Violent crime (38 crimes), vehicle crimes (20 offences) and antisocial behaviour (15 offences) all stand out as key policing concerns.
A more industrialised part of the usually pristine Kent countryside, Sittingbourne is in equal parts an industrious town with close ties to paper and brickmaking, as well as one that offers a home for many more. Sadly though, with its rising population comes a similarly rising crime rate of 102.4 crimes per 1000 residents.
Looking more closely at that ratio, we find that there’s soaring figures in both violent crime (2710 incidents) and antisocial behaviour (1124 incidents), as well as a rate of shoplifting (543 incidents) that’s more than 70% higher than the regional average.
From Premier League football to one of England’s busiest and most prosperous ports, Southampton has its unquestionable advantages and attractions, regardless of what you’re looking for. The unfortunate downside to that popularity, however, is the city’s alarming crime rate of 134.1 crimes per 1000 residents.
In that ratio, there’s significant numbers across violent crime (16,065 incidents), public order offences (4346 incidents) and antisocial behaviour (4108 incidents), as well as a rate of theft from the person (338 incidents) that’s more than double the regionwide average.
While unassuming on the surface, Slough is actually one of the UK’s largest business hotspots outside of the capital, with a huge number of head offices for national and international businesses finding their home here. Regrettably, though, that concentration of big business has meant a raised rate of crime – 110.2 crimes per 1000 residents.
As part of that rate, there’s substantial figures in both violent crime (7491 offences) and antisocial behaviour (1863 offences), as well as worrying stats in robbery (185 offences) that are almost double the county’s average.
Buckinghamshire is often synonymous with affluence, particularly given the royal connotations of its name, and nowhere more epitomises that than Walton-on-Thames. Its well-maintained neighbourhoods and historic town centre means the town holds a lower crime rate of 66.7 crimes per 1000 residents.
However, despite that prosperity, there’s still threats to Walton-on-Thames security. These take the form of the more prevalent crimes, including violent crime (1907 incidents), antisocial behaviour (1030 incidents), and public order offences (554 incidents).
A premier cathedral city, and one of the largest in Hampshire, Winchester’s architecture and history provide it with a sense of splendour and heritage that’s rarely matched nationwide. That stateliness is coupled with a relatively low crime rate of 66.1 crimes per 1000 residents.
Of course, there’s still issues for Winchester residents to contend with. Expectedly high rates in both violent crime (3064 incidents) and public order offences (1055 incidents) are the key contributors.
Most notably associated with the eponymous castle, Windsor is usually synonymous with the grandeur and majesty of royalty. What many don’t associate with the city, however, is a high crime rate, and at 100.5 crimes per 1000 residents, it’s clear that this is something to consider.
Violent crime (1223 incidents) and public order offences (444 incidents) are top of the list, but there’s an equally worrying trend in weapon possession (59 incidents) – that’s more than triple the regionwide average.
A quaint market town nestled in the heart of Oxfordshire, Witney places a great emphasis upon its religious buildings, which tie the town to its history as a Roman and Norman settlement. This focus on architectural preservation is perhaps a key factor in the town’s stable crime rate of 74.3 crimes per 1000 residents.
Within that ratio, there’s substantial figures in violent crime (891 offences), antisocial behaviour (311 offences) and theft (275 offences), all of which prompt further focus on Witney security.
A vibrant and thriving economy, coupled with the good sense of history that’s often integral to a small town experience in the UK, are both key traits of Woking. Not only do those traits lend themselves to a happy living situation, they’re also conducive to a low crime rate, with Woking sitting at 58.1 crimes per 1000 residents.
Of course, as we’ve seen, there’s still room for improvement within that. That’s especially true across the town’s rates of violent crime (2529 incidents), antisocial behaviour (1565 incidents), and public order offences (721 incidents).
One of Berkshire’s major market towns – a title that it’s held for many hundreds of years – Wokingham offers a hub for retail and commerce for those countywide, as well as a comfortable place to set down roots. Plus, while you might expect that booming population to mean a higher rate of crime, Wokingham manages to hover at just 61.8 crimes per 1000 residents.
Naturally, the town still sees high numbers across violent crime (826 incidents), shoplifting (400 incidents (400 incidents) and antisocial behaviour (269 incidents).
Located on the gentle coastline of West Sussex, the town of Worthing has in recent years seen substantial economic investment, leading to a much more prosperous and thriving town centre. Of course, with that growth comes a growing rate of crime, and Worthing is sadly no different, sitting at 85.8 crimes per 1000 residents.
As you might expect, there’s a prevalence of violent crime (3518 offences), antisocial behaviour (1394 offences) and shoplifting (1639 offences), but a rate of bicycle theft (354 offences) that’s almost double the county average is also of equal concern.
Understanding The “Ask For Angela” Scheme: Laws, Safety & The Future
By John Melling
November 21, 2024
