Explore crime statistics for Dartford, Kent. Dartford has an annual crime rate of 109.0 per 1,000 residents based on data from February 2025 to January 2026. Learn about crime trends and safety advice.
Based on population of 125,011 over 12 months
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Data last updated: September 2025. Source: Police.uk, ONS, Home Office.
| Overall Crime Rate | 109 per 1,000 people |
|---|---|
| Property Crime Rate | 45.6 per 1,000 people |
| UK Average Crime Rate | 91.2 per 1,000 people |
| UK Average Property Crime Rate | 32 per 1,000 people |
| Safety Score | 76 out of 100 |
| Population | 125,011 |
| Trend | stable |
| Comparison | significantly higher than UK average |
| Crime Type | Total Count | Per 1,000 People | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violence and sexual offences | 4,454 | 35.6 | 33% |
| Shoplifting | 2,322 | 18.6 | 17% |
| Anti-social behaviour | 1,899 | 15.2 | 14% |
| Criminal damage and arson | 1,200 | 9.6 | 9% |
| Other theft | 813 | 6.5 | 6% |
| Vehicle crime | 775 | 6.2 | 6% |
| Public order | 549 | 4.4 | 4% |
| Drugs | 521 | 4.2 | 4% |
| Other crime | 367 | 2.9 | 3% |
| Burglary | 343 | 2.7 | 3% |
| Possession of weapons | 126 | 1 | 1% |
| Robbery | 108 | 0.9 | 1% |
| Theft from the person | 96 | 0.8 | 1% |
| Bicycle theft | 50 | 0.4 | 0% |
Crime statistics for Dartford, Kent, reveal a complex picture. Based on data from February 2025 to January 2026, the area recorded a crime rate of 109.0 per 1,000 residents, which is 19.5% above the UK average of 91.2. While certain crime categories have seen decreases, others have risen, contributing to a stable overall trend of 1.3% year-on-year. This page provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, trends, and practical advice to enhance safety and security within the community.
Dartford's safety score is below the UK average. Protect what matters most with scOS Home Intelligence.
Dartford is a town located in the borough of Dartford, Kent, situated on the north bank of the River Thames. The area's industrial heritage, combined with its strategic location near major transport links, contributes to its demographic mix and economic activity. The presence of the Dartford Crossing (M25) brings a large volume of commuter traffic and commercial activity, impacting the local environment and potentially contributing to certain types of crime. The mix of residential areas, industrial estates, and retail outlets creates varied opportunities and challenges in terms of safety and security. The town's proximity to London also means it experiences a degree of population fluctuation and transient activity.
Dartford has a 19.5% higher crime rate than the UK average.
While Dartford’s overall crime rate sits above the national average, a closer look at the statistics reveals some specific areas of concern. Violence and sexual offences represent the largest proportion of crime, accounting for 35.6 per 1,000 residents, a figure 11% above the UK average. Shoplifting is also significantly elevated, with 18.6 per 1,000, representing a substantial 144% increase compared to the UK average. Anti-social behaviour follows closely, at 15.2 per 1,000, slightly above the UK average. The property crime rate stands at 45.6 per 1,000, highlighting a need for increased preventative measures. While burglary rates are lower than average, other theft and criminal damage remain concerns, indicating a wider range of security vulnerabilities within the area.
The overall crime rate in Dartford has remained relatively stable, showing a slight increase of 1.3% year-on-year from February 2025 to January 2026. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with a peak of 10.7 per 1,000 in July 2025 and a low of 8.0 per 1,000 in November 2025. While some categories like robbery and vehicle crime have seen decreases, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour have increased, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Comparing Dartford to neighbouring local authorities, Bexley (77.4 per 1,000) and Thurrock (96.8 per 1,000) demonstrate lower crime rates, while Greenwich (115.0 per 1,000) has a significantly higher rate. Understanding these comparative statistics can offer insights into the relative safety of different areas within the region.
Traditional CCTV systems often record incidents after they’ve occurred, providing little preventative value. scOS, however, is an AI-powered home security operating system that actively prevents crime at your property boundary. Utilizing multi-camera intelligence, DVLA vehicle verification, and pattern learning to recognize family and deliveries, scOS only alerts you to genuine threats, eliminating false alarms. The visible presence of scOS acts as a powerful deterrent, often causing potential intruders to reconsider their actions. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively protecting your home with a proactive system like scOS is another.
Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, consider these practical safety tips: always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night; avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas; report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Due to the high rates of shoplifting, be mindful of your belongings when shopping and avoid displaying valuables. Secure your vehicles properly, including locking doors and windows, and consider installing an alarm system to deter theft. Finally, invest in robust home security measures, such as reinforced doors and windows, to protect your property from burglary.
Common questions about crime and safety in Dartford
Dartford's crime rate of 109.0 per 1,000 residents is 19.5% above the UK average of 91.2, indicating a higher risk compared to many areas. The most prevalent crimes include violence and sexual offences (35.6 per 1,000) and shoplifting (18.6 per 1,000), suggesting residents should be vigilant and take preventative measures.
Based on data from February 2025 to January 2026, Dartford’s crime rate was 109.0 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.2, and reflects a higher prevalence of violence and sexual offences and shoplifting within the area.
While Dartford’s burglary rate is relatively low at 2.7 per 1,000 residents, which is 19% below the UK average of 3.4, it remains a concern for residents. The overall crime rate is substantially higher, suggesting a need for comprehensive home security measures.
Violence and sexual offences are a significant concern in Dartford, with a rate of 35.6 per 1,000 residents – 11% above the UK average. This highlights the importance of personal safety awareness and community vigilance.
Shoplifting is a serious issue in Dartford, with a rate of 18.6 per 1,000 residents – a staggering 144% above the UK average. This demonstrates a need for retailers and residents alike to be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious activity.
Dartford’s elevated crime rate, particularly concerning violence and sexual offences, suggests caution is advised at night. While specific night-time crime data isn’t available, the overall crime rate being 19.5% above the UK average warrants increased awareness and safety precautions after dark.
Anti-social behaviour in Dartford is slightly above the UK average, at 15.2 per 1,000, indicating a need for community engagement and preventative measures to address disruptive behaviour and maintain a safe environment.
While Dartford has a higher overall crime rate than the UK average (109.0 per 1,000), burglary rates are comparatively lower (2.7 per 1,000). Families should be aware of the prevalence of violence and sexual offences (35.6 per 1,000) and take appropriate safety precautions.
Vehicle crime in Dartford is a concern, with a rate of 6.2 per 1,000, 32% above the UK average. This highlights the need for secure parking and vehicle safety measures to prevent theft and damage.
While the overall crime rate remained stable at 1.3% year-on-year, specific crimes like shoplifting (+17.0%) and anti-social behaviour (+15.3%) have increased, suggesting a need for targeted interventions and preventative strategies.
Dartford has a crime rate of 109.0 per 1,000, which is higher than Bexley’s rate of 77.4 per 1,000. This indicates that Bexley is generally safer than Dartford in terms of overall crime levels.
Dartford's elevated crime rate of 109.0 per 1,000, significantly above the UK average, is a factor potential buyers should consider. While burglary rates are below average, the prevalence of violence and sexual offences and shoplifting warrants careful evaluation of property security.
Dartford’s drug crime rate is 4.2 per 1,000 residents, 26% above the UK average. This suggests a need for targeted interventions and preventative strategies to address substance-related crime within the area.
Given Dartford's high rates of violence and sexual offences (35.6 per 1,000) and vehicle crime (6.2 per 1,000), proactive home security like scOS, which prevents crime before it happens using AI and DVLA verification, can offer a superior level of protection compared to reactive systems.
Burglary rates in Dartford have decreased by 24.9% year-on-year, providing a positive trend. However, with a crime rate still at 2.7 per 1,000, maintaining robust home security remains vital.
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Official government data sources for Dartford
We determine crime rates by calculating recorded offences per 1,000 residents. This standardised metric enables meaningful comparisons between different-sized regions across the UK.
Official UK government databases provide all crime and demographic information, including Police.uk for offence records and ONS for population data. Statistics are compiled across town, district, and national boundaries.
Rate per 1,000 = (Offences / Population) × 1,000
We exclusively use official UK government information sources:
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
scOS is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.
Page updated: 1 March 2026 — covering Feb 2025 - Jan 2026
New data is released by Police.uk approximately once a month
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