Dartford Crime Rate October 2025 | Monthly Statistics

October 2025 marked a significant shift in Dartford’s crime profile, with the overall crime rate standing at 8.9 per 1,000 residents — 15.6% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This figure underscores Dartford’s position as a local authority with a crime rate that consistently diverges from the national trend. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 32.3% of all reported incidents, followed closely by shoplifting (18.2%) and anti-social behaviour (11.9%). These figures align with Dartford’s character as a town with a mix of urban and suburban areas, where high foot traffic in retail zones and public spaces may contribute to shoplifting, while community tensions in certain neighbourhoods could explain the prevalence of anti-social behaviour. Seasonal factors likely played a role: the transition to darker evenings in October, coupled with Halloween, may have influenced patterns of violent crime and public order incidents. The UK average for violence and sexual offences (2.7 per 1,000) was 9% below Dartford’s rate, highlighting a localised challenge in managing such crimes. Meanwhile, shoplifting in Dartford was 154% above the UK average, suggesting a need for targeted interventions in retail areas. This data, when contextualised with the town’s geography and demographics, illustrates a community grappling with both persistent and seasonal crime pressures.

The most dramatic month-on-month swing in October 2025 was a 100% increase in theft from the person, with reported cases rising from six to twelve. This sharp rise, though small in absolute terms, could reflect heightened vigilance during Halloween or increased foot traffic in town centres. Concurrently, drug-related crimes surged by 63.6%, climbing from 22 to 36 incidents. This spike may correlate with seasonal patterns of illicit activity, though further data would be needed to confirm. In contrast, bicycle theft fell by 40%, dropping from five to three, due to increased awareness or seasonal inactivity in cycling. Anti-social behaviour also declined by 25.3%, from 178 to 133, a trend that may indicate the effectiveness of recent community initiatives or a temporary reduction in social tensions. Shoplifting, however, saw a 33.6% increase, with 203 incidents — 154% above the UK average — pointing to a persistent challenge in retail areas. Meanwhile, public order offences decreased by 28%, from 50 to 36, which could be attributed to policing efforts or a shift in community behaviour. These swings highlight the dynamic nature of Dartford’s crime profile, where specific categories fluctuate sharply while others remain relatively stable.

Dartford’s crime rate in October 2025 rose by 6.7% compared to the previous month, increasing from 8.4 to 8.9 per 1,000 residents. This upward trend, though modest, suggests a growing pressure on local policing resources. On a daily basis, the town experienced an average of 36 crimes per day — a figure that, while not alarmingly high, remains a constant reminder of the need for vigilance. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 112 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is higher than the UK average when considering Dartford’s specific crime profile. With a population of 125,011, the absolute number of crimes (1,117) translates to a tangible presence in daily life, particularly in areas where shoplifting and violence are concentrated. When compared to the previous month, the shift in crime types — the rise in theft from the person and drugs — reflects a changing dynamic that may require tailored responses. While the overall rate is 15.6% above the UK average, the breakdown reveals both strengths and weaknesses: anti-social behaviour is 13% below the national average, but shoplifting is 154% above. This contrast illustrates the complexity of addressing crime in a town with diverse community needs and vulnerabilities.