Swanscombe Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

In January 2026, Swanscombe recorded 119 crimes across a population of 18,650, translating to a crime rate of 6.4 per 1,000 residents. This figure places the area 5.9% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000, a consistent trend that reflects Swanscombe’s relatively lower crime profile compared to national benchmarks. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (35.3% of total), criminal damage and arson (16.8%), and anti-social behaviour (11.8%). These patterns align with the area’s character as a built-up part of Dartford, where proximity to urban centres may influence property-related offences. The seasonal context of January—marked by post-holiday activity, shorter daylight hours, and reduced retail footfall—likely contributed to the lower incidence of outdoor crimes typically associated with busier months. However, the sharp rise in criminal damage and arson, which was 129% above the UK average, suggests a distinct localised issue that may require further analysis. Similarly, the 8% shortfall in violence and sexual offences compared to the UK average could be attributed to the area’s demographics or community policing strategies. The balance between property crimes (51) and violent crimes (42) also indicates a mixed profile, with property-related offences slightly outnumbering violent incidents. This dynamic may be influenced by factors such as the presence of retail or industrial spaces that attract both property and violent crimes, though further data would be needed to confirm this hypothesis. Overall, the crime profile for January 2026 illustrates a combination of local conditions, seasonal trends, and national comparisons, all of which contribute to Swanscombe’s unique crime profile.

January 2026 saw a dramatic 700% increase in burglary, with the number rising from 1 to 8. This surge, combined with a 100% rise in criminal damage and arson (from 10 to 20), highlights a shift in crime patterns that contrasts with the UK average. While violence and sexual offences remained 8% below the UK rate, criminal damage and arson were 129% above, a stark deviation from national trends. Conversely, public order offences and possession of weapons fell by 80%, suggesting potential seasonal or operational factors at play. The 100% increase in 'other crime' also draws attention, as this category was 87% above the UK average. These fluctuations underscore the need for targeted interventions in areas where criminal damage and arson are spiking, while the decline in public order offences may reflect reduced foot traffic during the post-holiday period. For residents, the 100% rise in burglary—a category that affects personal safety—provides a clear priority for local policing efforts.

Swanscombe's crime rate in January 2026 rose by 6.2% compared to December 2025, moving from 6.0 to 6.4 per 1,000 residents. This increase aligns with a local context where 4 crimes were reported daily during the month, a figure that provides a tangible sense of frequency for residents. Over the course of January, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 157 residents, a monthly exposure that highlights the proportion of the population affected. When viewed against the area’s population of 18,650, the 119 total crimes represent a relatively low proportion, though the rise from the previous month suggests shifting dynamics. The daily crime count, while modest, underscores the continuous presence of criminal activity in the built-up area, which contrasts with the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This localised perspective is critical for understanding how Swanscombe’s crime profile interacts with both its demographic makeup and seasonal factors, such as the post-holiday lull in retail activity that may influence certain crime types.