Crime in Ashford (Ashford): statistics, rates and trends
7,882 crimes were recorded in Ashford (Ashford) in the 12 months to July 2026, 94.8 per 1,000 residents. That is close to the England and Wales rate of 96.4, and down 2% on the year before.
Table of Contents
- Crime in Ashford (Ashford) at a glance
- Crime trends in Ashford (Ashford)
- Types of crime in Ashford (Ashford)
- Ashford (Ashford) compared with nearby towns
- Areas within Ashford (Ashford)
- Streets with the most crime in Ashford (Ashford)
- What happened after crimes were reported in Ashford (Ashford)
- Population and deprivation in Ashford (Ashford)
- Questions about crime in Ashford (Ashford)
- About this data
7,882 crimes were recorded in Ashford (Ashford) in the 12 months to July 2026, 94.8 per 1,000 residents. That is close to the England and Wales rate of 96.4, and down 2% on the year before. The most common offence was violence and sexual offences, with 2,875 reports (36% of the total).
Of the 1,408 towns covered by this site, Ashford (Ashford) has the 418th highest crime rate.
| Measure | Ashford (Ashford) | Ashford | England and Wales |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crimes, the 12 months to July 2026 | 7,882 | 10,803 | 5,665,700 |
| Crimes per 1,000 residents | 94.8 | 76.7 | 96.4 |
| Change on previous 12 months | -2% | -2% | -1% |
| Population | 83,167 | 140,936 | 58,797,018 |
Recorded crime in Ashford (Ashford) was highest in the year to July 2018 (10,710 crimes) and lowest in the year to July 2026 (7,882). Over the whole period it fell 26%, against a fall of 4% across England and Wales. Rates use today's population for every year, so they show the direction of change rather than exact historic rates.
| Period | Crimes | Per 1,000 | England and Wales per 1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year to July 2026 | 7,882 | 94.8 | 96.4 |
| Year to July 2025 | 8,035 | 96.6 | 97.1 |
| Year to July 2024 | 9,070 | 109.1 | 97.7 |
| Year to July 2023 | 9,308 | 111.9 | 5.2 |
| Year to July 2022 | 10,332 | 124.2 | 101.3 |
| Year to July 2021 | 9,947 | 119.6 | 102.1 |
| Year to July 2020 | 9,858 | 118.5 | 101.9 |
| Year to July 2019 | 10,141 | 121.9 | 101.5 |
| Year to July 2018 | 10,710 | 128.8 | 100.6 |
Month by month
| Month | Crimes |
|---|---|
| July 2026 | 730 |
| June 2026 | 681 |
| May 2026 | 664 |
| April 2026 | 615 |
| March 2026 | 690 |
| February 2026 | 561 |
| January 2026 | 641 |
| December 2025 | 732 |
| November 2025 | 655 |
| October 2025 | 663 |
| September 2025 | 551 |
| August 2025 | 699 |
The table shows every category of crime recorded in Ashford (Ashford) over the 12 months to July 2026. The index compares the local rate with England and Wales: 1.00 is the national rate, 2.00 is double it. Rates were well above the national level for possession of weapons, bicycle theft.
The largest increases were in robbery (+85%) and bicycle theft (+56%). The largest falls were in shoplifting (-25%) and public order (-16%).
| Crime type | Crimes | Per 1,000 | Index (E&W = 1.00) | Change on year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violence and sexual offences | 2,875 | 34.6 | 1.01 | -5% |
| Anti-social behaviour | 1,517 | 18.2 | 1.19 | +24% |
| Shoplifting | 803 | 9.7 | 1.17 | -25% |
| Criminal damage and arson | 649 | 7.8 | 1.15 | -5% |
| Other theft | 505 | 6.1 | 0.95 | -6% |
| Public order | 334 | 4.0 | 0.60 | -16% |
| Drugs | 271 | 3.3 | 1.00 | +4% |
| Vehicle crime | 245 | 2.9 | 0.60 | +13% |
| Other crime | 216 | 2.6 | 1.23 | -8% |
| Burglary | 179 | 2.2 | 0.61 | +3% |
| Possession of weapons | 103 | 1.2 | 1.28 | +7% |
| Bicycle theft | 92 | 1.1 | 1.34 | +56% |
| Robbery | 61 | 0.7 | 0.54 | +85% |
| Theft from the person | 32 | 0.4 | 0.23 | -9% |
Violence and sexual offences in Ashford (Ashford)
Violence and sexual offences covers offences against the person, from common assault to homicide, and sexual offences. Ashford (Ashford) recorded 2,875 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (34.6 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 34.2, and down 5% on the year before. It made up 36.5% of all crime in the area.
Anti-social behaviour in Ashford (Ashford)
Anti-social behaviour covers personal, environmental and nuisance anti-social behaviour. Ashford (Ashford) recorded 1,517 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (18.2 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 15.3, and up 24% on the year before. It made up 19.2% of all crime in the area.
Shoplifting in Ashford (Ashford)
Shoplifting covers theft from shops or stalls. Ashford (Ashford) recorded 803 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (9.7 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 8.3, and down 25% on the year before. It made up 10.2% of all crime in the area.
Criminal damage and arson in Ashford (Ashford)
Criminal damage and arson covers deliberate damage to property, including setting fire to it. Ashford (Ashford) recorded 649 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (7.8 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 6.8, and down 5% on the year before. It made up 8.2% of all crime in the area.
Other theft in Ashford (Ashford)
Other theft covers theft not covered by another category, such as theft by an employee or of unattended items. Ashford (Ashford) recorded 505 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (6.1 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 6.4, and down 6% on the year before. It made up 6.4% of all crime in the area.
Public order in Ashford (Ashford)
Public order covers offences that cause fear, alarm or distress. Ashford (Ashford) recorded 334 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (4.0 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 6.6, and down 16% on the year before. It made up 4.2% of all crime in the area.
Drugs in Ashford (Ashford)
Drugs covers possession, supply and production of controlled drugs. Ashford (Ashford) recorded 271 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (3.3 per 1,000 residents), close to the England and Wales rate of 3.3, and up 4% on the year before. It made up 3.4% of all crime in the area.
Vehicle crime in Ashford (Ashford)
Vehicle crime covers theft of or from a vehicle, and interfering with a vehicle. Ashford (Ashford) recorded 245 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (2.9 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 4.9, and up 13% on the year before. It made up 3.1% of all crime in the area.
Other crime in Ashford (Ashford)
Other crime covers offences not covered by another category, such as forgery and perjury. Ashford (Ashford) recorded 216 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (2.6 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 2.1, and down 8% on the year before. It made up 2.7% of all crime in the area.
Burglary in Ashford (Ashford)
Burglary covers entering a home or other building as a trespasser to steal, or with intent to steal. Ashford (Ashford) recorded 179 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (2.2 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 3.5, and up 3% on the year before. It made up 2.3% of all crime in the area.
Possession of weapons in Ashford (Ashford)
Possession of weapons covers carrying or possessing a weapon such as a firearm or knife. Ashford (Ashford) recorded 103 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (1.2 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 1.0, and up 7% on the year before. It made up 1.3% of all crime in the area.
Bicycle theft in Ashford (Ashford)
Bicycle theft covers the taking of a bicycle without the owner's consent. Ashford (Ashford) recorded 92 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (1.1 per 1,000 residents), higher than the England and Wales rate of 0.8, and up 56% on the year before. It made up 1.2% of all crime in the area.
Robbery in Ashford (Ashford)
Robbery covers theft using force or the threat of force. Ashford (Ashford) recorded 61 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.7 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 1.4, and up 85% on the year before. It made up 0.8% of all crime in the area.
Theft from the person in Ashford (Ashford)
Theft from the person covers theft of property carried on the person, such as pickpocketing, without force. Ashford (Ashford) recorded 32 reports in the 12 months to July 2026 (0.4 per 1,000 residents), lower than the England and Wales rate of 1.7, and down 9% on the year before. It made up 0.4% of all crime in the area.
Crime rates in the towns closest to Ashford (Ashford), for the 12 months to July 2026. The last column shows each area's rate relative to Ashford (Ashford).
| Town | Crimes | Per 1,000 | Rate vs Ashford (Ashford) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tenterden | 521 | 69.5 | -27% |
| Lenham and Harrietsham | 441 | 80.2 | -15% |
| Hythe | 630 | 46.1 | -51% |
| Faversham | 2,109 | 93.5 | -1% |
| Hawkinge | 448 | 51.6 | -46% |
| Littlestone-on-Sea | 225 | 39.7 | -58% |
| Canterbury | 9,687 | 167.3 | +77% |
| Teynham | 411 | 76.8 | -19% |
20 areas within Ashford (Ashford), ordered by crime rate over the 12 months to July 2026. Victoria had the highest rate (226.6 per 1,000) and Park Farm North the lowest (31.7). Busy town and city centres often show high rates because many of the people there do not live there.
| Area | Type | Population | Crimes | Per 1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Neighbourhood | 8,055 | 1,825 | 226.6 |
| Norman | Neighbourhood | 3,190 | 600 | 188.1 |
| Bockhanger | Neighbourhood | 4,098 | 512 | 124.9 |
| Stanhope | Neighbourhood | 3,862 | 379 | 98.1 |
| Willesborough | Neighbourhood | 8,118 | 794 | 97.8 |
| Godinton | Neighbourhood | 1,467 | 142 | 96.8 |
| Aylesford & East Stour | Neighbourhood | 6,662 | 570 | 85.6 |
| Beaver | Neighbourhood | 9,253 | 760 | 82.1 |
| Furley | Neighbourhood | 5,798 | 465 | 80.2 |
| Goat Lees | Neighbourhood | 3,347 | 261 | 78.0 |
| Washford | Neighbourhood | 3,632 | 262 | 72.1 |
| Singleton East | Neighbourhood | 1,291 | 90 | 69.7 |
| Bybrook | Neighbourhood | 3,087 | 189 | 61.2 |
| Repton | Neighbourhood | 5,845 | 357 | 61.1 |
| Roman | Neighbourhood | 4,282 | 232 | 54.2 |
| Highfield | Neighbourhood | 2,522 | 129 | 51.1 |
| Conningbrook & Little Burton Farm | Neighbourhood | 1,608 | 76 | 47.3 |
| Kennington | Neighbourhood | 2,320 | 86 | 37.1 |
| Singleton West | Neighbourhood | 1,920 | 64 | 33.3 |
| Park Farm North | Neighbourhood | 2,810 | 89 | 31.7 |
Police.uk records each crime at an approximate location, usually the centre of a nearby street or a landmark, to protect victims' privacy. These are the locations with the most reports in Ashford (Ashford) over the 12 months to July 2026.
| Location | Crimes |
|---|---|
| On or near Parking Area | 394 |
| On or near Shopping Area | 363 |
| On or near Petrol Station | 278 |
| On or near Hospital | 247 |
| On or near Supermarket | 244 |
| On or near High Street | 176 |
| On or near Rectory Way | 116 |
| On or near Kimberley Way | 97 |
| On or near Sports/Recreation Area | 93 |
| On or near St Johns Lane | 87 |
The latest recorded outcome for crimes in Ashford (Ashford) over the 12 months to July 2026. Many cases are still open when the data is published, and anti-social behaviour has no outcome recorded, so these shares change as investigations finish.
| Outcome | Crimes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Unable to prosecute suspect | 2,324 | 29.5% |
| Investigation complete; no suspect identified | 2,160 | 27.4% |
| Not recorded | 1,517 | 19.2% |
| Under investigation | 454 | 5.8% |
| Awaiting court outcome | 419 | 5.3% |
| Local resolution | 333 | 4.2% |
| Action to be taken by another organisation | 228 | 2.9% |
| Court result unavailable | 219 | 2.8% |
| Status update unavailable | 150 | 1.9% |
| Offender given a caution | 46 | 0.6% |
| Further action is not in the public interest | 20 | 0.3% |
| Formal action is not in the public interest | 6 | 0.1% |
Ashford (Ashford) has an estimated population of 83,167. On the England IoD 2025, the average neighbourhood in Ashford (Ashford) sits in decile 5.5, close to the middle. Deprivation and recorded crime are linked, but many other factors shape local crime rates.
| Measure | Ashford (Ashford) |
|---|---|
| Aged 0 to 15 | 21.0% |
| Aged 16 to 64 | 64.0% |
| Aged 65 and over | 15.0% |
| Homes owned outright or with a mortgage | 62.5% |
| Social rented homes | 16.2% |
| Private rented homes | 21.2% |
| Average deprivation decile (1 = most deprived, 10 = least) | 5.5 |
| Residents in the most deprived 10% of areas | 6.9% |
Is Ashford (Ashford) a safe place to live?
Ashford (Ashford) recorded 94.8 crimes per 1,000 residents in the 12 months to July 2026, close to the England and Wales rate of 96.4. Crime is concentrated in a small number of places within most areas, often busy centres and transport hubs, so the rate for a single street can differ a lot from the area as a whole.
What is the most common crime in Ashford (Ashford)?
Violence and sexual offences was the most common category, with 2,875 reports in the 12 months to July 2026, followed by anti-social behaviour (1,517).
Is crime in Ashford (Ashford) going up or down?
Recorded crime in Ashford (Ashford) was down 2% on the year before: 7,882 crimes in the 12 months to July 2026 against 8,035 in the previous 12 months.
Which police force covers Ashford (Ashford)?
Ashford (Ashford) is policed by Kent. Non-emergency crimes can be reported online to the force or by calling 101; in an emergency call 999.
How are these crime rates calculated?
Each rate is the number of crimes recorded by the police in the 12 months to July 2026, divided by the resident population and multiplied by 1,000. Crime data is from data.police.uk and population estimates are from the Office for National Statistics.
Figures are police-recorded crime published on data.police.uk, covering August 2017 to July 2026. Each crime is counted in the small area (LSOA) where it was recorded and added up to Ashford (Ashford). Crimes recorded by British Transport Police are not included.
Population figures are ONS mid-year estimates. See the methodology for details.