Rape, retail theft and antisocial behaviour on the rise in Kent
Newly released crime figures for Kent reveal significant rises in shoplifting, antisocial behaviour, and sexual offences, while the overall rates for victim-based crime have dropped.
The statistics, covering the July to September 2025 quarter, were presented in Chief Constable Tim Smith's report to the Kent Police and Crime Commissioner’s Performance and Delivery Board, chaired by Commissioner Matthew Scott.
Antisocial behaviour incidents increased by 24.8% in the last quarter, jumping from 7,939 to 9,907 cases. Year-on-year statistics saw a rise of 9.3%, with 29,680 reported offences. Kent Police noted this could partly stem from changes in recording practices instituted in June 2025.
Sexual offences, including rape and serious sexual assaults, were up by 2.3% for the year to September 2025. Rape incidents alone saw a year-on-year increase of 3.6%, though serious sexual offences fell by 8% across the last quarter. The report noted the complexity of rape investigations may account for some fluctuations.
The solved rate for rape offences dropped from 9.3% to 8.2% for the year. However, victim satisfaction rates for rape cases rose from 94.7% to 97.4%.
Shoplifting offences experienced a sharp rise of 12.2% year-on-year, bringing the total to 17,416 cases. The most recent quarter showed an 8% rise, increasing the total to 4,365 incidents. Solved rates also improved, climbing to 32.6% for the year and 30.6% for the quarter.
Knife crime recorded a 3.5% reduction over the year, from 916 to 884 cases. However, quarter figures showed a 4.7% increase attributed to higher reporting levels in July 2025.
Rural crime remains difficult to define due to changes in the landscape leading to areas previously considered rural becoming urban. These offences rose slightly year-on-year, while agricultural and wildlife-related crimes jumped by 12% in the most recent quarter.
Despite rises in certain categories, overall victim-based crime in Kent dropped by 3.3% year-on-year, from 139,742 to 135,185 offences. Kent Police also reported declines in violence against women and girls as well as general serious violence, including murder.
The Chief Constable’s report highlights contrasting trends across various crime types, suggesting changes in crime reporting practices and regional developments may partly influence the figures.