Swanscombe Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Swanscombe's crime rate in November 2023 stood at 5.5 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 26.7% below the UK average of 7.5. This continued trend of lower-than-average crime reflects a combination of local factors, including the built-up area's proximity to Dartford's urban core and its relatively stable residential demographics. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 40.8% of all reported crimes, making them the most prevalent category, followed by criminal damage and arson (14.6%) and public order issues (8.7%). The seasonal context of November—marked by shorter evenings, Bonfire Night, and the early stages of Black Friday shopping—likely contributes to increased visibility of certain crime types, particularly those linked to public spaces and temporary gatherings. While overall crime remains below the national average, the balance between property and violent crime has shifted slightly this month, with violent offences maintaining a strong presence. The area's lower-than-average rates for anti-social behaviour (52% below UK) and shoplifting (64% below UK) suggest effective community engagement strategies or natural deterrents such as local policing initiatives. However, the rise in criminal damage and arson warrants attention, as it may signal targeted acts or seasonal disruptions linked to the area's infrastructure.

November saw a sharp 50% increase in criminal damage and arson, rising from 10 to 15 incidents. This spike, coupled with a 50% rise in public order offences and a 50% increase in other theft, highlights emerging risks for residents. While these categories surged, violent crimes remained stable at 42 incidents (2.3 per 1,000), 11% below the UK average for this category. The drop in vehicle crime (50% decrease from 16 to 8) and burglary (62.5% decrease from 8 to 3) contrasts with the upward trends, suggesting that local security measures or seasonal factors may have mitigated these risks. Residents should be particularly vigilant regarding criminal damage and arson, which now account for 14.6% of all reported crimes. The UK average for criminal damage and arson is 0.6 per 1,000, meaning Swanscombe's rate is 36% above this benchmark. This discrepancy could reflect local challenges such as targeted vandalism in high-traffic areas or issues with property maintenance. Anti-social behaviour remains significantly below the UK average (52% lower), indicating that community cohesion or effective enforcement may be playing a role in reducing these incidents. The month-on-month changes underscore the importance of monitoring specific crime types, with public order offences now reaching 9 incidents—double the October count—which may relate to increased foot traffic during holiday events or disruptions tied to the area's proximity to major transport routes.

Swanscombe's crime rate in November 2023 (5.5 per 1,000) marked a 19.5% decrease from the previous month's rate of 6.9, reflecting a sustained decline in overall criminal activity. Over the course of the month, 103 crimes were reported, averaging approximately 3 crimes per day—a figure that contextualises the frequency of incidents for local residents. When scaled to the population of 18,650, this means one reported crime occurred for roughly every 181 residents during November, a monthly exposure rate that remains well below the UK average. The previous month's rate of 6.9 per 1,000 suggests that the decline may be influenced by seasonal factors, such as the waning impact of Halloween-related activities and the early stages of winter preparedness. The daily crime count of 3 provides a tangible benchmark for residents to assess local safety, though this figure includes all crime types, from violent offences to property-related incidents. The population-scaled perspective further illustrates that Swanscombe's residents face a lower risk of encountering crime compared to the national average, with the area's crime profile consistently aligning with its status as a built-up area within Dartford. However, the 50% increase in criminal damage and arson compared to October highlights the need for targeted awareness, as these incidents may indicate vulnerabilities in public spaces or infrastructure that require attention.