Gillingham (Dorset) Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile in Gillingham (Dorset) during September 2023 reveals a distinct mix of offences that aligns with the area's characteristics as a built-up community. Violence and sexual offences emerged as the most prevalent category, accounting for 37.3% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour at 22.0%. This pattern may be influenced by the area's proximity to educational institutions, which could contribute to higher rates of violent incidents and disruptive behaviour during the back-to-school period. The relatively low rate of property crimes—only 25.4% of total incidents—suggests that Gillingham's built-up nature, with limited commercial zones compared to larger towns, may reduce opportunities for theft. Seasonal factors also appear to play a role: the 35% gap between Gillingham's crime rate (5.2 per 1,000) and the UK average (8.0 per 1,000) is consistent with the area's smaller size and lower population density. The UK average for violence and sexual offences is 2.7 per 1,000, yet Gillingham's rate of 1.9 per 1,000 is 31% lower, reflecting the community's compact nature and local policing efforts. However, the 114% above UK average for 'other crime'—a category that includes unclassified incidents—suggests potential gaps in data categorisation or unaddressed local issues. This nuanced balance of crime types illustrates the importance of contextual analysis when interpreting statistics for a small built-up area.

September 2023 saw sharp increases in shoplifting, drugs, and bicycle theft, each doubling from the previous month. This surge in shoplifting—rising from one to three incidents—may reflect the start of the academic term, with students and parents frequenting local retail areas. Conversely, burglary and vehicle crime both fell by 50%, potentially linked to seasonal factors such as reduced outdoor activity as nights lengthen. The crime mix also reveals striking contrasts with UK averages: other crime was 114% above the national rate, while public order offences were 52% below. Bicycle theft, at 100% above the UK average, highlights a local vulnerability that may stem from the area's cycling infrastructure or commuter patterns. These figures underscore the importance of targeted interventions, such as increased patrols in retail zones or enhanced bike security awareness campaigns.

Gillingham's crime rate in September 2023 fell to 5.2 per 1,000 residents, a 7.8% drop from the previous month's 5.7. This decline, while modest, suggests a possible stabilisation in local crime trends. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately two crimes per day over the 30-day period, a figure that may help residents contextualise the frequency of incidents. When viewed through a population lens, the monthly exposure rate of one crime for every 192 residents illustrates a relatively low level of risk compared to larger urban centres. This rate is consistent with Gillingham's status as a built-up area within Dorset, where crime levels are typically lower than in major cities. The reduction in burglary and vehicle crime—each halved from August—may reflect seasonal changes, such as the start of the school term reducing opportunities for certain offences. However, the absence of a UK-wide daily comparison means local context must be interpreted independently.