Gillingham (Dorset) Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Gillingham (Dorset) continues to maintain a crime rate significantly below the UK average, with 5.7 crimes per 1,000 residents in August 2023 — 29.6% lower than the national figure of 8.1. This built-up area, situated in rural Dorset, exhibits a crime profile shaped by its local character, with violence and sexual offences comprising 37.5% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (20.3%) and other theft (15.6%). The seasonal context of August, a peak holiday month, may influence patterns: increased tourism could contribute to higher burglary risks during periods of empty homes, though the area's overall crime rate remains lower than the UK average. Violence and sexual offences in Gillingham (2.1 per 1,000) are 20% below the UK average (2.6 per 1,000), suggesting a combination of community policing efforts and lower population density reducing opportunities for such crimes. Anti-social behaviour also remains 17% below the UK average (1.4 per 1,000), reflecting the area's quieter, more residential nature compared to larger urban centres. However, other theft (0.9 per 1,000) stands 43% above the UK average (0.6 per 1,000), indicating a specific challenge in this category that deserves closer attention to local factors such as retail presence or property vulnerabilities. The data illustrates a nuanced picture where Gillingham's rural location and smaller population size create a distinct crime environment, with both strengths and areas requiring targeted interventions.

August 2023 saw dramatic shifts in crime trends for Gillingham (Dorset), with other theft rising by 233.3% compared to July — from 3 to 10 incidents — and burglary doubling from 0 to 3 cases. This surge in other theft, which is 43% above the UK average (0.6 per 1,000), contrasts with sharp declines in vehicle crime (-66.7%) and shoplifting (-50%), suggesting a shift in criminal focus towards non-vehicle property crimes. The increase in criminal damage and arson (+66.7%) may reflect seasonal factors, with August's warm weather potentially encouraging more outdoor activities that could lead to vandalism. Violence and sexual offences remain 20% below the UK average (2.6 per 1,000), despite being the most common crime category locally (24 cases). This discrepancy could indicate effective community policing or lower population density reducing opportunities for such crimes. Residents may find the 43% above-average rate for other theft particularly relevant, as it highlights a specific area for local authorities to address through targeted prevention strategies.

In August 2023, Gillingham (Dorset) recorded a crime rate of 5.7 per 1,000 residents, marking a 23.1% increase from the previous month's rate of 4.6. This translates to approximately 2 crimes reported per day in the built-up area, a figure that, while seemingly low, underscores the area's relatively safe environment compared to the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 177 residents — a monthly exposure rate that highlights the low frequency of incidents in this small community. When placed against the UK context, Gillingham's overall crime rate remains 29.6% below the national average, a distinction that reflects the area's unique demographic and geographic profile. With a population of 11,325, the town's smaller size likely contributes to more manageable policing and community engagement efforts. The 23.1% monthly increase, though notable, must be viewed alongside the broader trend of Gillingham's sustained performance below the UK average. This suggests that while short-term fluctuations may occur, the area's crime profile continues to diverge from national patterns, potentially due to its rural character and the presence of targeted local initiatives that have maintained lower crime levels despite seasonal variations.