Gillingham Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In April 2023, Gillingham (Dorset) recorded a crime rate of 5.1 per 1,000 residents, placing it 32% below the UK average of 7.5. This figure, while modest, translates to a tangible risk profile for residents: over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 195 residents, a statistic that contextualises the low frequency of incidents in a built-up area. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 39.7% of all reported crimes. This category’s rate—2.0 per 1,000—remains 23% below the UK average, a consistent trend that may reflect the area’s smaller population and community-focused environment. The second most common offence was criminal damage and arson, which, at 0.6 per 1,000, was 2% below the UK average. This suggests a balance between local factors and broader national trends in property-related crimes. The seasonal context of April—Easter holidays and spring weather—likely influenced crime patterns, with increased outdoor activity potentially affecting both property and violent crime rates. However, the overall low rate of violent crime, combined with a significant drop in anti-social behaviour (from 12 to 6 incidents), indicates that community engagement and environmental factors may play a role in maintaining safety. The built-up nature of Gillingham, with its compact residential and commercial areas, may also limit opportunities for certain crimes, such as vehicle theft or shoplifting, which were both 78% below the UK average. These patterns, while not fully explained by available data, suggest that Gillingham’s crime profile is shaped by a combination of geographic, demographic, and seasonal influences.

April 2023 brought notable fluctuations in crime types, with robbery and drug-related offences increasing by 100% compared to March. This spike in robberies, from one to two incidents, contrasts sharply with an 87.5% decline in shoplifting, which fell from eight to one. The drop in shoplifting may reflect reduced foot traffic during the Easter holiday period, while the rise in robbery could indicate a shift in criminal focus towards more targeted offences. Anti-social behaviour also decreased by 50%, aligning with the seasonal trend of reduced public gatherings in the built-up area. Meanwhile, Gillingham’s violent crime rate—2.0 per 1,000—remains 23% below the UK average, a consistent pattern that highlights the area’s lower exposure to violent incidents. This contrast with the UK average is particularly striking in categories like anti-social behaviour, where local rates are 58% lower, suggesting strong community policing or environmental factors that deter such activity.

April 2023 saw Gillingham’s crime rate fall to 5.1 per 1,000 residents, a 24.7% drop from the previous month’s 6.8. This decline aligns with a broader trend in local crime patterns, though the rate remains significantly lower than the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly two crimes per day, a figure that, while seemingly low, reflects the built-up nature of the community. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 195 residents, a statistic that contextualises risk in terms of population exposure. This monthly aggregate highlights the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to larger urban centres, where crime rates are often higher. The drop in anti-social behaviour and shoplifting from March suggests seasonal factors—such as Easter holidays and milder weather—may have reduced opportunities for certain offences. However, the increase in robbery and drug-related crimes signals shifts in criminal activity that warrant further local scrutiny. When compared to the UK average, Gillingham’s rate is 32% lower, underscoring the area’s distinct safety profile within the national context.