Dartford Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a town of 125,011 residents, Dartford's 1000 reported crimes in May 2023 translate to 8.0 crimes per 1000 people, exactly matching the UK average. This rate means roughly one crime occurred for every 125 residents during the month, a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents against the local population. The crime profile shows a clear dominance of violent offences, with 360 cases of violence and sexual offences accounting for 36% of all reports. This is 4% above the UK average for this category, suggesting a localised concentration of incidents that may reflect Dartford's urban character and social dynamics. Shoplifting emerged as the second most common crime, with 139 cases reported—124% above the UK average. This stark disparity could indicate specific vulnerabilities in retail environments, linked to the town's role as a commercial hub serving surrounding areas. Anti-social behaviour, at 10.3% of total crimes, sits 40% below the UK average, a contrast that may stem from community policing initiatives or demographic factors. The seasonal context of May—marked by bank holidays and extended evenings—likely contributes to the higher incidence of violent crimes, as outdoor socialising and alcohol consumption increase. These patterns align with typical urban crime trends during spring, when warmer weather and longer daylight hours shift activity patterns. The data illustrates a combination of local geography, population density, and seasonal rhythms, offering a nuanced picture of Dartford's crime profile.

May 2023 saw a 20.8% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 298 to 360 cases—a significant jump that may reflect the impact of longer evenings and increased social activity. This category's rate of 2.9 per 1000 residents is 4% above the UK average, highlighting Dartford's particular challenges in this area. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 30.9% compared to April, dropping from 81 to 56 incidents. This decline might be attributed to improved security measures in car parks or a shift in criminal activity towards other sectors. Bicycle theft plummeted by 87.5%, from 8 to 1 case, a dramatic decrease that could indicate effective enforcement or a seasonal dip in theft opportunities. The shoplifting rate of 1.1 per 1000 residents is 124% above the UK average, suggesting a need for targeted interventions in retail zones. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.8 per 1000 residents, remains 40% below the UK average, reflecting local community engagement efforts. The rate of theft from the person—0.0 per 1000 residents—sits 100% below the UK average, a statistic that could be useful for residents seeking reassurance about personal safety in public spaces.

Dartford's crime rate in May 2023 (8.0 per 1000 residents) marked a 4.5% decline from April's 8.4 per 1000, a reduction that may reflect seasonal patterns or targeted policing efforts. On a daily basis, the town experienced approximately 32 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the frequency of incidents against the local rhythm of life. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 125 residents—a monthly exposure rate that, while exact, provides a tangible sense of the scale of criminal activity relative to the population. This figure is particularly meaningful for residents, as it translates abstract statistics into relatable terms. Compared to the UK average, Dartford's overall rate matches exactly, yet specific categories show stark contrasts: shoplifting is 124% above the national average, while anti-social behaviour is 40% below. These divergences suggest that local factors—such as the town's commercial role and community policing strategies—play a significant role in shaping the crime profile. The population-scaled perspective reveals that while the rate is average nationally, the distribution of crime types reflects Dartford's unique character as a mixed-use urban centre with both retail and residential zones.