Side-by-side crime statistics from official UK Police data.
ME1 · Medway
238
crimes in April 2026
Above national average
ME19 · Kent
39
crimes in April 2026
Below national average
West Malling has less crime — 39 vs 238 incidents in April 2026.
Rochester recorded substantially more crime than West Malling in April 2026 — 238 incidents compared to 39, a 6.1x difference. The crime profiles diverge meaningfully: Rochester sees higher rates of Shoplifting (43), while West Malling has more Criminal damage & arson (5). Rochester sits above the national average for recorded crime while West Malling is below — a significant gap for anyone weighing up the two.
Full reports cover 24 months of trends, ward breakdowns, outcome rates, and a detailed safety score — from £4.99.
Based on April 2026 Police data, West Malling recorded fewer crimes than Rochester — 39 vs 238 incidents. That is 84% fewer crimes. West Malling is also below the national average for crime.
The main difference lies in crime type. In April 2026, Rochester saw higher rates of Shoplifting while West Malling had more Criminal damage & arson. Overall, West Malling recorded fewer total crimes (39 vs 238).