Dartford Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Dartford’s crime profile in September 2023 reveals a distinct balance between violent and property crime, with a pronounced emphasis on violence and sexual offences. The overall crime rate of 8.7 per 1,000 residents places the area 8.7% above the UK average, reflecting a mix of local factors and seasonal dynamics. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 37.4% of all reported crimes, significantly outpacing the UK average for this category by 20%. This suggests a concentration of incidents in areas with higher social interaction, such as town centres or nightlife hubs, which may align with Dartford’s role as a commuter town with a mix of residential and commercial zones. Anti-social behaviour and shoplifting followed, contributing 12.5% and 10.9% respectively, though both categories showed marked disparities compared to national trends. Anti-social behaviour was 18% below the UK average, possibly due to local policing initiatives or community engagement efforts. Conversely, shoplifting was 61% above the UK average, which may be linked to the presence of retail outlets in Dartford’s high streets. The seasonal context of September—marked by the return to school and university freshers—likely contributes to increased incidents of anti-social behaviour and property crime, as younger populations return to the area. While violent crime remains a key concern, the data suggests a combination of local geography and seasonal rhythms shaping the crime profile.

September 2023 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with 'Other crime' rising by 45.5% (22 to 32 incidents) and 'Theft from the person' increasing by 25% (4 to 5). These increases may reflect heightened activity in public spaces during the transition to autumn. Conversely, robbery fell by 69.2% (from 13 to 4), a decline that could indicate successful policing efforts or changes in criminal opportunity. Bicycle theft also dropped by 40% (from 10 to 6), linked to the start of the academic year and increased use of secure parking facilities. The crime mix revealed stark contrasts with the UK average: violence and sexual offences were 20% above the national rate, while public order offences were 35% below. This divergence highlights Dartford’s unique challenges, particularly in managing violent crime, which may be influenced by its commuter population and proximity to larger urban areas. For residents, the 61% spike in shoplifting compared to the UK average underscores the need for heightened vigilance in retail areas during peak shopping periods.

Dartford’s crime rate in September 2023 (8.7 per 1,000) marked a 9.5% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 9.6 per 1,000, indicating a slight improvement in local safety. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 36 crimes per day, a figure that contextualizes the scale of incidents for residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 115 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while lower than the UK average in some categories, remains a concern given the elevated rates of violence and shoplifting. When compared to the UK population-scaled perspective, Dartford’s 125,011 residents faced a crime environment where violent crime was represented. This contrast with the UK average—where violence and sexual offences account for 2.7 per 1,000—highlights Dartford’s specific vulnerabilities. The 8.7% gap above the national average suggests that local factors, such as the area’s role as a commuter hub and its proximity to London, may amplify certain crime types. While the monthly rate is lower than August, the persistent elevation in violent crime and shoplifting indicates that targeted interventions may still be necessary to address these trends.