Swanscombe Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Swanscombe's September 2024 crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 residents places it 10.4% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, reflecting a consistently lower crime profile compared to the national picture. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 36.7% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (13.3%) and criminal damage and arson (11.7%). This distribution aligns with the area's character as a built-up locality within Dartford, where community tensions and property-related disputes may contribute to the higher incidence of violent and anti-social crimes. The seasonal context of September—marked by the return to school and university term times—likely influenced the crime pattern, with increased foot traffic and social activity potentially exacerbating conflicts. The rate of violent crimes (2.5 per 1,000) was 5% below the UK average for this category, suggesting effective local policing or community engagement efforts. Conversely, criminal damage and arson (0.8 per 1,000) were 43% above the UK average, a figure that may indicate specific vulnerabilities in the area's infrastructure or unaddressed environmental factors. The overall balance between property and violent crimes highlights the need for a nuanced approach to crime prevention, particularly as the area transitions into the autumn months, when colder weather and reduced daylight may further impact outdoor crime dynamics.

September 2024 saw a dramatic 700% increase in drug-related crimes, rising from 1 to 8 incidents—a stark outlier in the monthly data. This surge contrasts with a 69.2% drop in public order offences, which fell from 13 to 4, potentially reflecting seasonal shifts as schools and universities resumed operations. The crime mix also shifted notably: violent crimes (47 incidents) slightly outpaced property crimes (48 incidents), though both categories remained within the UK average for their respective types. Drug-related crimes, now at 8 incidents, were 67% above the UK average of 0.2 per 1,000, underscoring a localised challenge. Residents may find the 700% increase in drugs particularly concerning, as it represents the most significant monthly change in the area's crime profile. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour rose by 41.7%, indicating a possible need for targeted community interventions.

Swanscombe's September 2024 crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 residents marks a 13.6% decrease from the previous month's 7.9 per 1,000. This decline aligns with the local seasonal rhythm of September, when school and university terms begin, potentially reducing opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 4 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the rate within the community's daily life. Over the course of the month, 1 in every 146 residents experienced a reported crime, a ratio that reflects the area's relatively low crime profile compared to the UK average. This monthly exposure figure is particularly meaningful for residents, as it translates to a tangible understanding of risk within the local population. The population-scaled perspective also highlights that Swanscombe's crime levels remain significantly below the UK average, reinforcing the area's position as a safer community within the broader national context.