Dartford Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate Dartford's crime profile in November 2023, accounting for 35.6% of all reported crimes. With a total crime rate of 8.8 per 1,000 residents, the area exceeds the UK average by 17.3%, a disparity that underscores the need for targeted interventions. The prominence of violent crime—3.1 per 1,000—reflects a 20% gap above the UK average, likely influenced by the town's proximity to London and the presence of high-density residential areas. Shoplifting, at 1.3 per 1,000, is 136% above the national benchmark, a figure that may be linked to the retail presence along the High Street and the influx of shoppers during Black Friday. Seasonal factors, including shorter evenings and the Bonfire Night event, could contribute to the elevated levels of criminal damage and arson, which rose sharply to 1.1 per 1,000. While property crimes dominate, the balance between violent and non-violent offences remains uneven, with anti-social behaviour declining by 39.3% compared to October. This shift may be attributed to seasonal changes in community activity or increased police visibility. The data paints a complex picture of a town grappling with persistent violent crime, exacerbated by commercial activity and environmental factors, while certain categories show signs of mitigation. Local authorities must address the underlying drivers of violence, including socioeconomic challenges and the impact of transient populations, to align Dartford's crime profile with national standards.

November saw an 88.9% surge in robbery cases, rising from 9 to 17 incidents—a sharp increase that may reflect heightened vulnerability during darker evenings. Concurrently, criminal damage and arson rose by 33.7%, from 98 to 131 incidents, potentially linked to seasonal events like Bonfire Night. Bicycle theft also climbed by 25%. In contrast, anti-social behaviour fell by 39.3%, declining from 140 to 85 cases, due to increased community engagement or enforcement efforts. The area's violent crime rate—3.1 per 1,000—was 20% above the UK average, while shoplifting (1.3 per 1,000) was 136% above the national benchmark. These disparities highlight Dartford's unique challenges, with property crimes dominating the landscape despite a slight overall decline in violence. Residents may find the 37 daily crimes figure particularly relevant, as it reflects the tangible impact of local crime patterns.

Dartford's crime rate in November 2023 stood at 8.8 per 1,000 residents, a 5.8% decrease from the previous month's 9.4 per 1,000. This reduction, while modest, suggests a stabilisation in local crime trends following a peak in October. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 37 reported crimes each day, a figure that underscores the persistent presence of criminal activity despite the decline. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 113 residents, a ratio that highlights the frequency of incidents within a typical household's exposure. This monthly aggregate contrasts with the UK average, though no direct comparison is available for daily crime rates. The population context reveals that Dartford's 125,011 residents face a slightly higher risk than the national average, with the 17.3% disparity between local and UK rates remaining a focal point for local authorities. The shift from October to November may reflect seasonal factors, such as reduced foot traffic during darker evenings, though the absence of a significant drop in property crimes complicates this interpretation.