Stone (Dartford) Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate Stone (Dartford)'s crime profile in January 2026, accounting for 38.2% of all reported crimes. At 13 incidents, this category remains the largest single contributor to the area's overall crime rate of 4.9 per 1,000 residents—27.9% below the UK average of 6.8. The seasonal context of January, with its post-holiday lull and shorter daylight hours, likely contributes to the pattern, though the area's compact built-up nature may also play a role in concentrating incidents. Property crimes (16) and violent crimes (13) form the twin pillars of the area's crime picture, with shoplifting (9 cases) standing out as a notable outlier. This category's rate of 1.3 per 1,000—128% above the UK average—suggests a specific local dynamic, possibly linked to the area's retail presence or transient population movements. While violence and sexual offences remain below the UK average, the stark contrast in shoplifting figures highlights the need for targeted interventions. The area's overall safety profile, marked by a 28% deficit relative to national averages, appears to stem from a combination of low violent crime rates and the peculiar spike in property-related offences. This duality may reflect the area's unique mix of residential density and commercial activity, which creates both protective and risk factors for different crime types.

January 2026 saw a dramatic 125% increase in shoplifting incidents, rising from 4 to 9 cases. This surge, which places the local rate at 1.3 per 1,000 residents—128% above the UK average—contrasts sharply with the 24% reduction in violence and sexual offences (from 17 to 13 cases). The month-on-month decline in violent crime may partly reflect the seasonal pattern of reduced outdoor activity and shorter days, though the area's built-up nature could also contribute to a lower incidence compared to more dispersed rural settings. The rise in shoplifting coincides with a 100% increase in 'other crime' and 'drugs' categories, though these remain low in absolute terms (1 case each). Conversely, public order offences fell by 50%, and criminal damage and arson also halved, suggesting a possible seasonal dip in anti-social behaviour. The daily crime count of 1 incident per day offers a tangible measure for residents: over the course of January, this equates to a 1-in-206 chance of being directly affected by a reported crime. While the area's overall safety remains strong, the shoplifting spike underscores the need for continued vigilance in retail spaces, which may benefit from enhanced surveillance or community engagement strategies.

Stone (Dartford)'s crime rate remained stable compared to December 2025, with the same 4.9 per 1,000 residents figure. This consistency, despite the shoplifting surge, suggests the area's overall crime profile is relatively resilient to month-to-month fluctuations. On a daily basis, the 1 crime reported per day provides a concrete benchmark for local residents, though this must be contextualised within the area's population of 6,987. Over the course of January, the monthly exposure figure of 1-in-206 residents affected by crime illustrates the area's generally low-risk environment. This statistic, while seemingly abstract, becomes more meaningful when compared to the UK average: residents of Stone (Dartford) are 28% less likely to experience a crime than the national average, a significant advantage. The population-scaled perspective reveals that the area's small size amplifies the impact of even minor changes in crime rates—each additional incident carries greater weight in a community of fewer than 7,000 people. This dynamic may explain why categories like shoplifting, though low in absolute numbers, appear impactful when compared to the UK average. The stability in the overall rate, coupled with the sharp contrast in category-specific figures, highlights the value of granular crime analysis for local policy-making, ensuring resources are allocated where they are most needed.