Gillingham (Dorset) Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Gillingham (Dorset) maintained a crime rate of 5.7 per 1,000 residents in August 2024, placing it 30.5% below the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000. This position as a relatively safe area is reinforced by its crime profile, where violence and sexual offences (25 incidents, 38.5% of total) and anti-social behaviour (11 incidents, 16.9%) dominate, yet remain below national benchmarks. The local context—August as a peak holiday month—introduces complexity: while tourism typically elevates risks like theft from the person or burglary, Gillingham’s data shows burglary at 0.2 per 1,000 (38% below the UK average), suggesting effective community measures or a lower density of vulnerable properties. Shoplifting, however, stands out as 27% above the UK average (0.7 per 1,000), likely tied to retail activity during the summer season. Bicycle theft (0.3 per 1,000, 233% above UK average) further highlights a niche vulnerability, possibly linked to cycling infrastructure or transient populations. The area’s built-up nature within Dorset—a mix of rural and urban elements—may explain its moderate crime rate: lower than major cities but higher than isolated rural zones. Seasonal factors, such as the influx of visitors and the closure of some homes during holidays, likely contribute to fluctuations, though the absence of a significant increase in burglary (despite seasonal expectations) remains notable. Overall, Gillingham’s crime picture illustrates a balance between local-specific pressures and broader national trends, with its position relative to the UK average underscoring the importance of area-specific policing and community engagement strategies.

August 2024 marked an unprecedented spike in violent crime, with violence and sexual offences rising by 1,150% from July (2 to 25 incidents). This category, though still 18% below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000, now dominates the local crime profile at 38.5% of total incidents. Public order offences also surged by 500%, increasing from 1 to 6 cases—a shift that may reflect heightened summer activity in public spaces. Meanwhile, shoplifting (0.9 per 1,000) and bicycle theft (0.3 per 1,000) stand out as anomalies: the former is 27% above the UK average, the latter an eye-watering 233% above. These figures suggest seasonal pressures—such as tourist foot traffic and holiday-related retail activity—may be distorting usual patterns. For residents, the most immediate concern is the 1,150% jump in violent crime, which now accounts for nearly two-thirds of all reported incidents.

Gillingham (Dorset) recorded a crime rate of 5.7 per 1,000 residents in August 2024, a stark contrast to the previous month’s rate of 0.3 per 1,000, reflecting a 2,107.7% increase. This surge, though significant, remains 30.5% below the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000. Daily crime statistics reveal 2 incidents per day on average, translating to a monthly exposure of 1 crime for every 174 residents. While this figure is locally specific and cannot be directly compared to national averages, it provides context for residents: over the course of the month, the likelihood of encountering a reported crime is roughly 1 in 174. The population-scaled perspective shows that, despite the month-on-month spike, Gillingham’s crime burden remains lighter than the UK average, suggesting structural factors—such as the area’s rural-urban blend or community policing efforts—may contribute to this disparity. However, the sharp rise from July to August warrants scrutiny, particularly given the seasonal context of increased tourism and holiday activity.