Dartford Crime Rate July 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Dartford's crime rate in July 2025 reached 10.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 24.4% above the UK average of 8.6 per 1,000. This rate reflects a combination of local factors and seasonal dynamics, with the summer months typically associated with higher crime activity. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 34.8% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (16.0%) and shoplifting (15.2%). These figures align with Dartford's character as a commuter town near London, where retail hubs and transport links contribute to both economic activity and crime risk. The high rate of shoplifting—146% above the UK average—may be partly explained by the presence of large retail centres and the influx of tourists during the summer season. Anti-social behaviour, while 10% above the national average, could also be linked to the town's proximity to London, where transient populations and late-night activity may contribute to such incidents. Meanwhile, the relatively low rate of burglary (2.1% of all crimes, 26% below the UK average) suggests that property crime in Dartford is more concentrated in retail and public spaces than in residential areas. This pattern is consistent with the area's demographics, where commercial and transport hubs dominate the crime profile. The seasonal context of July—schools out, festivals, and peak tourism—likely amplifies these trends, with outdoor events and crowded spaces creating opportunities for both property and violent crimes. However, the sharp increase in 'other crime' incidents, which surged 150% from June to July, indicates potential gaps in reporting or the emergence of new crime categories that require further analysis.

July saw a 150% increase in 'other crime' incidents, rising from 18 to 45, marking the most dramatic category shift. This category, which includes unclassified offences, may reflect either underreporting or new types of crime emerging in the area. Meanwhile, public order offences rose by 44.2%, with 62 incidents reported—a 22% increase above the UK average for this category. This rise could be linked to the summer season, with more outdoor events and festivals creating environments conducive to disorder. Conversely, robbery rates fell by 52.9%, from 17 to 8 incidents, a decline that may be attributed to increased police presence during peak tourist periods. Shoplifting, already 146% above the UK average, remains a persistent issue, likely driven by the town's retail centres and high foot traffic during the summer months.

Dartford's crime rate in July 2025 rose to 10.7 per 1,000 residents, a 23.1% increase from 8.7 per 1,000 in June. This places the area 24.4% above the UK average of 8.6 per 1,000, highlighting a significant divergence from national trends. Daily crime counts averaged 43 incidents per day over July, reflecting a consistent presence of criminal activity across the month. When scaled to the population, this equates to one reported crime for every 94 residents over the course of July. While this monthly exposure rate is a useful aggregate measure, it does not account for the uneven distribution of crime across neighbourhoods or times of day. The increase in violent crime and anti-social behaviour may be partly explained by the summer season, with schools closed and tourism activity at its peak. However, the sharp rise in 'other crime'—which includes unclassified or emerging categories—suggests potential gaps in reporting or evolving criminal patterns that warrant closer attention.