Dartford Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 125,011 residents, Dartford recorded 1,281 crimes in May 2024, translating to a crime rate of 10.3 per 1,000 people — 22.6% above the UK average of 8.4. This volume equates to one reported crime for every 98 residents over the course of the month, highlighting the scale of incidents in a town with a mix of urban and suburban characteristics. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences (31.8% of total), followed by shoplifting (16.1%) and anti-social behaviour (13.4%). These figures align with seasonal patterns, as May’s longer evenings and bank holidays likely contribute to increased socialising in public spaces, which may partly explain the elevated rates of violence and public order offences. Shoplifting, in particular, surged to 1.7 per 1,000 residents — 166% above the UK average — a figure consistent with the presence of retail centres in the town centre. The balance between property and violent crimes reflects Dartford’s dual role as a commuter hub and a town with significant local amenities, where both commercial activity and community interactions shape crime patterns.

May 2024 saw sharp increases in robbery (+300%), bicycle theft (+57.1%), and possession of weapons (+57.1%), marking notable shifts in crime dynamics. Robbery, which rose from 2 to 8 incidents, suggests heightened vulnerability in specific locations, possibly linked to increased foot traffic during evenings. Bicycle theft, now at 0.1 per 1,000 residents, remains 25% above the UK average, potentially reflecting Dartford’s cycling infrastructure and the popularity of bikes among commuters. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped by 5.6% (90 to 85 incidents), a decline that may correlate with improved security measures or seasonal changes in parking patterns. The town’s violent crime rate (3.3 per 1,000) is 16% above the UK average, underscoring ongoing challenges in managing public safety during periods of increased social activity. Anti-social behaviour, however, fell slightly below the UK average (1.4 vs 1.4), indicating a potential success in local initiatives targeting disruptive conduct. These fluctuations highlight the combination of seasonal factors and community-specific conditions in shaping Dartford’s crime profile.

Dartford’s crime rate in May 2024 (10.3 per 1,000) marked a 25.8% increase from the previous month’s rate of 8.2, reflecting a significant uptick in reported incidents. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 41 crimes per day — a figure that, while locally contextualised, underscores the intensity of activity in a town with a population of over 125,000. Over the course of the month, the 1-in-98 resident ratio for reported crimes illustrates the frequency with which residents encounter crime, a statistic that contrasts sharply with the UK average but aligns with Dartford’s demographic and geographic profile. This rate is higher than the national benchmark, particularly in categories such as shoplifting (166% above UK average) and violence (16% above), which may reflect the town’s commercial density and social dynamics. However, certain categories like anti-social behaviour and public order offences show more balanced figures compared to the UK, suggesting local efforts may be mitigating some aspects of crime. The comparison to the previous month’s data reveals a marked shift in crime trends, requiring further analysis to identify whether these changes are part of a broader pattern or isolated events.