Dartford Crime Rate June 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Dartford's June 2024 crime rate of 8.9 per 1,000 residents placed it 8.5% above the UK average, a figure that highlights both consistent and unexpected trends in local crime patterns. The most striking anomaly was the shoplifting category, which recorded 1.3 incidents per 1,000 residents—more than double the UK average of 0.6. This sharp divergence from national norms may be linked to the area's proximity to major retail corridors. Violence and sexual offences (357 cases) accounted for 32% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (166 cases) and shoplifting (168 cases). These figures suggest a combination of community dynamics and commercial activity, with the latter potentially amplifying property crime rates. Seasonal factors also appear to influence patterns, as the start of summer typically sees shifts in both public and private sector activity. While violent crime rates remained aligned with national averages, the disproportionate focus on property-related offences may reflect Dartford's unique demographic and geographic characteristics, which include a mix of urban and suburban environments. The overall rate, though elevated compared to the UK, has shown a 12.9% decrease from May 2024, indicating a potential stabilisation in crime trends that could be influenced by factors such as increased daylight hours or seasonal tourism patterns.

June 2024 saw a 37.5% increase in robbery incidents, rising from 8 to 11 cases. This sharp rise, though small in absolute terms, contrasts with a 54.5% drop in possession of weapons offences, which fell from 11 to 5. The shoplifting category remained the most striking anomaly, with rates 110% above the UK average (1.3 vs 0.6 per 1,000). This is particularly notable given Dartford's proximity to major retail hubs, suggesting potential links to increased foot traffic or seasonal shopping patterns. Meanwhile, vehicle crime rose 33% above the UK average (0.6 vs 0.5 per 1,000), possibly influenced by summer travel. For residents, the 12.9% month-on-month decline in overall crime rates offers a tangible indicator of the area's fluctuating security landscape, though specific categories continue to deviate from national norms.

Dartford's crime rate in June 2024 fell by 12.9% compared to May 2024, dropping from 10.3 to 8.9 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with the start of summer, when seasonal patterns often see reduced public order incidents and lower vehicle crime as fewer people travel. Locally, 37 crimes were reported daily in June, a figure that contextualises the pace of activity within the town's population of 125,011. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 112 residents, a monthly exposure rate that reflects the area's broader crime dynamics. While the overall rate is still 8.5% above the UK average, the month-on-month reduction suggests a potential stabilisation in crime trends following a peak in May. This shift may be influenced by factors such as increased daylight hours or seasonal tourism patterns, though these remain speculative without further data.