Gillingham (Dorset) Crime Rate

Recent crime statistics for Gillingham (Dorset), covering the period of January 2025 to December 2025, present a mixed picture. With a crime rate of 45.6 per 1,000 residents annually, Gillingham sits significantly below the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. This suggests a relatively safer environment compared to many areas across the United Kingdom, as reflected in its safety score of 89/100, considerably higher than the UK average of 79/100. However, it is crucial to delve deeper into the types of crimes recorded and the factors contributing to them to understand the nuances of safety within the community. A noteworthy trend indicates a decrease in crime rates, falling by 12.4% year-on-year, which is a positive development for the area.

The most recent data for Gillingham (Dorset), covering January 2025 to December 2025, reveals a concerning pattern of criminal activity. Violence and sexual offences represent the most significant proportion of recorded crimes, accounting for 38.2% of the total (197 incidents). This category encompasses a range of offences, highlighting potential underlying issues within the community. Anti-social behaviour follows closely behind at 20.5% (106 incidents), indicating a need for community engagement and preventative measures. Other theft contributes 9.7% (50 incidents), suggesting opportunities for improved security awareness and crime prevention strategies. Property crime, overall, stands at 14.9 per 1,000 residents, a figure that warrants further examination and targeted interventions. While individual categories like burglary and vehicle crime appear relatively lower, their combined impact contributes to the overall crime picture in Gillingham.

The recorded crime rates in Gillingham (Dorset) have shown a positive trend, decreasing by 12.4% year-on-year. Monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 reveals a consistent downward trajectory, with the lowest monthly rate recorded in August 2025 (3.0 per 1,000). While a slight uptick is observed in October 2025 (4.5 per 1,000), the overall trend remains encouraging. This decrease may be attributed to various factors, including increased community engagement, improved policing strategies, or a combination of both. Further investigation is needed to pinpoint the precise drivers behind this positive shift.

How To Keep Safe in Gillingham (Dorset)

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's vital to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when out alone. Avoid walking in poorly lit or isolated areas at night. Due to the high incidence of anti-social behaviour, report any suspicious activity to the authorities promptly. Secure your property thoroughly; ensure doors and windows are locked, and consider installing security lighting. Finally, be mindful of your belongings when out and about, as ‘other theft’ remains a notable concern. By taking these precautions, you can contribute to a safer environment for yourself and the community.

Crime patterns in Gillingham (Dorset) demonstrate a varied distribution throughout the day. Burglaries show a slightly higher incidence during the afternoon and evening hours, with a peak in the late night period between 12am and 6am. Violence and sexual offences are most prevalent during the evening hours, particularly between 6pm and 12am, with a heightened risk on weekends. Vehicle crime tends to be more frequent during overnight hours, mirroring a pattern of opportunistic theft. Overall, theft sees commercial hours as the peak, while ‘other crime’ shows a slight increase in the evening hours.

Gillingham's crime rate contrasts sharply with its immediate neighbours. Areas like Milton on Stour, East Stour, and West Stour report a remarkable 0.0 crimes per 1,000 residents, indicating exceptionally low levels of reported crime. Motcombe, however, shows a higher rate of 19.0 per 1,000, demonstrating a greater degree of criminal activity compared to Gillingham and its closest neighbours. This variation highlights the localised nature of crime and the potential influence of differing community characteristics and environmental factors.

Traditional CCTV systems offer a reactive approach – recording incidents after they’ve occurred. While helpful for investigations, they don’t prevent crime. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actually stopping threats at your property line is another. Consider a proactive security system like scOS. scOS uses AI to detect threats at the property boundary, watching all cameras simultaneously and verifying vehicles with the DVLA. It learns your routines and alerts you only to genuine threats, often resolving situations before they escalate. Most burglars decide within 60 seconds – the visible deterrence of scOS can make them move on. This isn't about replacing traditional security; it's about adding a layer of prevention, offering a significant advantage in safeguarding your home and family in Gillingham.