Swanscombe Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Swanscombe’s October 2023 crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 residents placed it 13.7% below the UK average, a position that reflects the area’s generally lower crime profile compared to national trends. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 40.6% of all reported incidents, followed by vehicle crime (12.5%) and anti-social behaviour (9.4%). This distribution highlights the persistent challenge of violent crime in the built-up area, which remains slightly above the UK average for this category by 4%. The seasonal context of October, with its shorter days and Halloween activities, likely contributed to the increased prevalence of violence and sexual offences, as well as the notable rise in vehicle crime. Anti-social behaviour, however, saw a significant decrease, possibly influenced by local initiatives or the natural ebb of seasonal disturbances. While the overall crime rate remains low, the data underscores the need for targeted interventions in areas where violence and vehicle-related crimes are concentrated. The relatively low crime rate in Swanscombe, compared to the UK average, suggests that the area’s community-focused policing and infrastructure may be contributing to its safer environment, though the seasonal fluctuations in specific crime types indicate that ongoing vigilance is necessary.

October 2023 saw a marked reduction in anti-social behaviour, which fell by 61.3% from 31 incidents in September to 12, the largest single-month drop in this category. Shoplifting also declined sharply, with a 62.5% decrease from eight to three incidents, a trend consistent with seasonal factors such as darker evenings and Halloween. Conversely, vehicle crime doubled to 16 incidents, a 100% increase from the previous month, likely driven by increased traffic during the autumn period. Robbery incidents rose by 100% from zero to three, a stark contrast to the overall downward trend. Possession of weapons surged by 300%, with four incidents reported in October compared to one in September, a figure that exceeds the UK average by 186%. These shifts highlight the uneven nature of crime patterns, where some categories show marked improvements while others, particularly vehicle-related offences, reflect localized pressures.

Swanscombe's October 2023 crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 residents marks a 22.9% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 8.9 per 1,000. This reduction aligns with the area’s generally lower crime profile compared to the UK average, which stood at 8.0 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately four crimes per day in October, a figure that reflects the seasonal rhythm of the built-up area within Dartford. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 146 residents, illustrating a relatively low monthly exposure compared to the population size. This context is particularly relevant for residents and local authorities, as it highlights the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to maintain community safety. The population-scaled perspective further underscores that Swanscombe’s crime rate remains proportionally lower than the national average, even as specific categories like vehicle crime and robbery show notable increases. These figures, when viewed alongside the broader trend of declining overall crime, suggest a combination of localized factors and national patterns.