Swanscombe Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Swanscombe's crime profile in July 2023, accounting for 28.3% of all reported incidents. This category, at 3.1 per 1,000 residents, was 12% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, with 54 cases reported—104% higher than the UK average of 1.4 per 1,000. Other theft, at 1.7 per 1,000, was 158% above the national figure, indicating a significant localised issue. The overall crime rate of 11.0 per 1,000 placed Swanscombe 32.5% above the UK average, a stark contrast to the national context. July, a peak summer month, likely contributed to this pattern through increased public activity, festivals, and the absence of school holidays. The area's built-up nature within Dartford, combined with its proximity to major transport routes, may have created conditions conducive to both violent and property-related crimes. While anti-social behaviour and theft showed marked spikes, criminal damage and arson remained slightly below the UK average, suggesting varied dynamics across crime categories. The interplay of seasonal factors and local infrastructure appears to drive the area's crime profile, with no single factor fully explaining the disparities.

July 2023 saw a 255.6% increase in other theft, rising from nine to 32 incidents. This surge, coupled with a 175% rise in both drugs and burglary, suggests shifting patterns in criminal activity. Anti-social behaviour remained the second most common crime, with 54 cases reported—104% above the UK average. Shoplifting and robbery both declined sharply, with shoplifting dropping 75% to one incident. The UK average for shoplifting was 0.6 per 1,000, whereas Swanscombe recorded 0.1 per 1,000, a discrepancy of 83%. Vehicle crime also fell by 43.8%, from 16 to nine, potentially linked to reduced public transport use during school holidays. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of crime in the area, with specific categories showing marked divergence from national trends.

Swanscombe's crime rate in July 2023 rose to 11.0 per 1,000 residents, a 5.1% increase from June's 10.5 per 1,000. This places the area 32.5% above the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000. Daily crime figures show an average of seven reported incidents each day in July, reflecting the area's heightened activity during the summer months. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 91 residents, illustrating the monthly exposure to crime. While this rate is consistent with seasonal patterns—such as increased foot traffic during festivals and outdoor events—it remains a notable concern for local residents. The population context further highlights that even small shifts in crime numbers have measurable impacts in a community of 18,650 people.