Dartford Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Dartford, 8.2 crimes were reported in April 2024, placing the area 6.5% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This rate translates to a 1-in-123 chance of a crime occurring for any given resident over the course of the month, a figure that contextualises the risk in everyday terms. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 32.1% of all reported incidents, followed by shoplifting (13.7%) and anti-social behaviour (12.2%). These patterns align with Dartford’s character as a commuter town with a mix of urban and suburban areas, where retail hubs and public spaces may contribute to higher rates of property-related crimes. The surge in shoplifting during April, coinciding with the Easter shopping period, is consistent with seasonal trends observed in similar areas. Meanwhile, the 64% increase in shoplifting compared to the UK average highlights local factors that may require targeted interventions. Anti-social behaviour, which was 18% below the UK average, suggests that community engagement or policing efforts in Dartford may be more effective in curbing such incidents during the spring. The overall crime rate, though slightly elevated compared to the UK, remains within a range that reflects the area’s demographic and geographic profile. The seasonal context of April—marked by increased outdoor activity and the Easter holiday—may have influenced both the types and frequencies of crimes reported, with retail and public spaces likely playing a central role in the distribution of incidents.

April 2024 saw a 63% increase in drug-related crimes, jumping from 27 to 44 incidents, a stark contrast to the 71.4% drop in robbery cases, which fell from seven to two. This divergence highlights shifting patterns in criminal activity, with illicit drug use becoming a more pressing concern than violent theft. Meanwhile, shoplifting remained a significant issue, with 140 cases recorded—64% above the UK average—potentially linked to the Easter shopping period and increased foot traffic in retail areas. Anti-social behaviour, however, fell below the UK average by 18%, possibly due to heightened community vigilance during the spring season. The 22.9% decrease in violence and sexual offences, from 424 to 327 cases, may reflect the impact of seasonal changes, though this trend warrants closer examination to determine its sustainability. For residents, the surge in drug-related crimes underscores the importance of local awareness and support networks in addressing emerging challenges.

Dartford’s crime rate in April 2024 fell by 14.1% compared to March’s 9.5 per 1,000, marking a notable shift in the local crime picture. This decline brings the rate to 8.2 per 1,000, which, while still above the UK average, reflects a reduction in incidents that could be linked to seasonal changes or targeted local initiatives. On a daily basis, 34 crimes were reported in April, averaging roughly one incident for every 3.6 residents each day. Over the course of the month, the monthly exposure figure—1 crime per 123 residents—provides a tangible sense of risk for those living in the area. With a population of 125,011, this translates to a manageable but not negligible level of risk, particularly in high-traffic zones like the town centre. The drop in robbery rates by 71.4% and the reduction in criminal damage and arson by 33.8% may indicate improved community engagement or policing efforts during the Easter period. However, the 6.5% gap above the UK average remains, suggesting areas for further scrutiny or resource allocation.