Dartford Crime Rate October 2025 | Monthly Statistics

October 2025 marked a significant shift in Dartford's crime profile, with the overall rate of 8.9 crimes per 1,000 residents placing the area 15.6% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This disparity, while consistent with previous trends, was accompanied by a notable concentration of crimes in specific categories. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent type, accounting for 32.3% of all reported crimes. This was followed closely by shoplifting, which saw a 154% gap above the UK average and accounted for 18.2% of total incidents. The seasonal context of October—marked by darker evenings, the clocks going back, and the approach of Halloween—likely influenced patterns in both violent and property crimes. For instance, the 9% above-average rate of violence and sexual offences may be partially explained by increased foot traffic in town centres as night-time hours shorten, a factor that could also contribute to the sharp rise in shoplifting. Conversely, the 13% below-average rate of anti-social behaviour may reflect a reduction in late-night disturbances, due to fewer people staying out as daylight hours diminish. These dynamics illustrate how local conditions, combined with national trends, shape the crime profile in Dartford.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in October 2025 was the 100% rise in theft from the person, with incidents doubling from 6 to 12. This spike, though small in absolute terms, stands out as an anomaly in a month otherwise marked by relative stability in most categories. Shoplifting also saw a notable 33.6% increase, rising from 152 to 203 cases—a figure that places Dartford 154% above the UK average for this category. This contrast with the 28% drop in public order offences, which fell from 50 to 36, suggests shifting patterns in community interactions. Violence and sexual offences remained the largest single category, accounting for 32.3% of all crimes, and were 9% above the UK average. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour decreased by 25.3%, a decline that may reflect seasonal factors such as shorter evenings and the approach of Halloween, which often sees fewer late-night incidents in residential areas.

Dartford's crime rate in October 2025 rose to 8.9 per 1,000 residents, a 6.7% increase from the previous month's 8.4 per 1,000. This brings the local rate 15.6% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, highlighting a persistent gap relative to national trends. On a daily basis, Dartford saw an average of 36 crimes reported each day in October, a figure that reflects the area's unique mix of urban and suburban characteristics. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 112 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the frequency of incidents within the local population. While this rate is higher than the UK average, local factors—such as Dartford's proximity to major transport hubs and its mix of residential and commercial zones—likely contribute to the disparity. These dynamics may explain why property crimes and violent offences remain high compared to other regions.