Gillingham (Dorset) Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Gillingham (Dorset)’s crime picture in July 2024 reveals a starkly low level of criminal activity, with an overall rate of 0.3 per 1,000 residents — 96.4% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This figure marks one of the lowest recorded rates in recent months, a trend consistent with the area’s small built-up character within a predominantly rural county. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 66.7% of the total (2 incidents), though this category remains 93% below the UK average. Public order offences (1 incident) contributed 33.3% of the total, also significantly below the national rate of 0.6 per 1,000. Seasonal factors likely played a role in shaping this profile: July, a peak summer month with schools out and tourism active, often sees increased foot traffic in public spaces. However, the absence of property crimes and the sharp decline in violent incidents suggest that local conditions — such as community cohesion or effective policing — may have mitigated risks typically associated with high-traffic periods. The low crime density aligns with Gillingham’s status as a small, tightly-knit area where social interactions are likely more visible and community networks stronger, potentially deterring criminal activity. This pattern contrasts with larger urban centres, where higher population density and anonymity often correlate with elevated crime rates.

July 2024 marked a dramatic reduction in violent crime, with incidents falling by 90.5% to 2 reported cases — a drop from 21 in June. Public order offences also declined sharply, by 88.9%, from 9 to 1. These decreases align with the area’s position 93% below the UK average for violent crimes and 84% below for public order offences. The crime mix shifted significantly, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 66.7% of total incidents, though both categories remain far below national rates. This pattern contrasts with the UK average, where such crimes typically constitute a larger share of the total. For residents, the sharp decline in public order offences — particularly during the summer tourism peak — suggests that local policing or seasonal factors may have mitigated tensions in public spaces. The absence of property crimes in July further highlights the area’s unique profile compared to other parts of the country.

July 2024 saw a stark contrast to June, with the crime rate plunging by 95.3% to 0.3 per 1,000 residents — a drop from 5.6 per 1,000 in the prior month. Daily crime statistics reveal an average of 0 crimes per day over the month, a figure that aligns with the area’s historically low crime profile. When scaled to population, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 3,775 residents, a ratio that underscores the rarity of incidents in this built-up area. While the UK average for July stands at 8.4 per 1,000, Gillingham’s rate remains 96.4% below that benchmark, a gap consistent with its status as a small rural community within Dorset. This comparison highlights the area’s relative safety, though seasonal factors like the summer tourism peak may have influenced local dynamics. The low crime density suggests that routine activities in Gillingham, such as retail or community events, likely face minimal disruption from criminal activity compared to larger urban centres.