Gillingham (Dorset) Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Gillingham (Dorset) recorded a crime rate of 4.6 per 1,000 residents in October 2023, placing it 42.5% below the UK average of 8.0. This figure reflects a persistent trend of lower-than-national crime levels, influenced by the area’s character as a smaller built-up area within a largely rural county. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 42.3% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (19.2%) and criminal damage and arson (7.7%). These patterns align with Gillingham’s profile as a town with a mix of residential, commercial, and community spaces, where interpersonal conflicts and property damage are more prevalent than in larger urban centres. Seasonal factors also appear to play a role, as October’s transition to shorter days and the Halloween period may have influenced certain crime types. The overall rate remains consistent with broader trends in rural and semi-rural areas of England, where crime is often driven by localised issues rather than large-scale urban dynamics. Property crime accounted for 34.6% of total incidents, with burglary and shoplifting contributing to this category. However, the area’s violent crime rate remains significantly lower than the UK average, a trend that may be attributed to Gillingham’s relatively stable community environment and lower population density compared to major cities.

The most striking change in October was the 300% increase in burglary, rising from one to four incidents—a sharp contrast to the previous month’s figures. This surge, though modest in absolute terms, highlights a potential vulnerability in residential security during the autumn season. Concurrently, theft from the person and robbery both doubled from zero to one incident each, suggesting a possible shift in criminal activity patterns, though these numbers remain too small to draw definitive conclusions. On the other hand, public order offences fell by two-thirds, and drug-related crimes dropped by half, potentially reflecting reduced social activity during the month. Violent crimes, which accounted for 42.3% of total incidents, remained 30% below the UK average for violence and sexual offences, a trend consistent with Gillingham’s historically lower rates of such crimes. These figures underscore a combination of seasonal factors and local conditions, with the area’s rural-urban mix likely influencing crime dynamics.

Gillingham’s October 2023 crime rate of 4.6 per 1,000 residents marks an 11.9% decrease from the previous month’s 5.2, reflecting a continued downward trend. On a daily basis, this translates to roughly two crimes reported each day across the built-up area—a figure that, while notable, remains significantly lower than many comparable regions. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 218 residents, illustrating a relatively low monthly exposure compared to broader national benchmarks. This context is further shaped by Gillingham’s population size, with 11,325 residents spread across a mix of residential and commercial areas. The drop in overall crime aligns with seasonal patterns, as October’s shorter days and the absence of peak tourist activity may contribute to reduced opportunities for certain types of crime. However, the sharp rise in burglary—despite the overall decline—suggests localized factors may be at play, such as increased property vulnerability during the autumn months.