Kent police have just released the latest crime statistics for Medway River. While this is not an area recognised by many members of the public, it is one that the police use to define as the area of Medway next to the river.

The area covered includes a couple of small industrial estates, such as the Pier industrial estate. It also includes Chatham docks and Medway City Estate which is incidentally, the third largest industrial estate in the UK.

The figures cover the year from April 2014 to March 2015 and total a fairly horrific 3,901 crimes of all types. There were 328 crimes in March this year alone.

As with many other areas, anti-social behaviour constitutes the largest number of crimes which makes up nearly a third of the total. Violence and sexual offences are in second place, other statistics also include 549 offences of shoplifting.

Kent Crime Stats: Burglary

Comparison of 4 crime types, (including burglary) for Medway River between April 2014 and March 2015.

What is perhaps the worst aspect of the figures is that there were 149 burglaries during the year. While burglaries do take place on industrial estates from time to time, there are not that many in relation to the number of businesses. This is largely because most businesses take every precaution to see that their premises are as secure as they can possibly be. Businesses can protect their property with various types of security equipment such as a CCTV system.

Is your home vulnerable to burglary?

The conclusion is that most of these 149 burglaries were break-ins to residential homes, which results in heartbreak for a lot of families. If you have a business which is burgled, you may lose stock and goods. However, when your home is burgled you will lose items to which you have an emotional attachment and hold sentimental value.

You might lose your wedding ring, a diamond necklace or pendant given as a present for your birthday. Any number of other items that have a sentimental attachment could be taken from your home. Imagine how devastating it would be to lose a family heirloom, or to face the awful realisation that strangers have entered your family home.

Peace of mind for Kent residents

The obvious answer is to take every possible precaution to protect your home. A good burglar alarm system is a useful start. It doesn't cost a lot for a professional installation and it's always better to be safe than sorry! Most insurance companies will offer a discount for premises which have security measures in place, so an alarm system will pay for itself in a very short space of time.

It also gives you something that you cannot get elsewhere - peace of mind that your home is secure.

Create a secure home with a free security survey

With a free Spy Alarms security survey, you will be advised on the best ways to protect yourself and your home.

During the assessment, our engineers will highlight the areas of vulnerability in your property and how to tackle it.

"We had an alarm fitted by Spy yesterday and I just wanted to drop you a note to say how professional, efficient, friendly and tidy Andy was. I know people often complain about bad service but don’t comment when they experience good service so I wanted you to know what a credit he is to your business." - Alice, Forest Hill, London

Spy have been installing and servicing alarm systems across Kent from their previous headquarters in Sevenoaks for over 30 years. As part of our expansion we've moved to larger premises in Orpington, but don't worry, we still cover Medway River too!