Gillingham (Dorset) Crime Rate June 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Gillingham (Dorset) reported a crime rate of 5.6 per 1,000 residents in June 2024, placing it 31.7% below the UK average of 8.2. This figure, while modest, reflects a broader trend of relatively low crime in the area, which aligns with its status as a small built-up town within Dorset. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 33.3% of all incidents (21 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (19.1%) and public order offences (14.3%). These patterns may be influenced by the area’s character as a small community with a mix of residential and commercial spaces, where public order issues and interpersonal conflicts are more likely to surface. The seasonal context of June—the start of summer and the beginning of the tourist season—could also play a role in shaping these trends. Public order offences in Gillingham exceeded the UK average by 31%, suggesting a need for targeted interventions in managing public spaces. Meanwhile, shoplifting and other property-related crimes were significantly below the UK average, reflecting the area’s lower retail density or effective local policing strategies. This interplay of factors—seasonal dynamics, community structure, and local crime prevention efforts—paints a nuanced picture of Gillingham’s crime profile, one that is generally safer than the national average but with specific challenges that require attention.

June 2024 marked a stark contrast in crime patterns, with 'Other crime' surging by 300% (from 1 to 4 incidents), the most dramatic month-on-month change. This spike, though not yet classified, may reflect unreported or under-recorded activities, though no specific cause is evident from the data. Conversely, burglary fell by 80% (from 5 to 1), potentially linked to seasonal factors such as increased daylight hours or community awareness during summer. Public order offences, however, remained 31% above the UK average at 0.8 per 1,000, highlighting a persistent challenge in managing public spaces. 'Other theft' also rose sharply by 200% (from 1 to 3), tied to increased foot traffic during the start of the tourist season. These shifts underscore the complexity of local crime dynamics, where some categories decline while others surge, demanding tailored responses. For residents, the 300% increase in 'Other crime' is a specific data point that may warrant closer attention from local authorities.

June 2024 saw a 12.6% decrease in Gillingham’s crime rate compared to May, dropping from 6.4 to 5.6 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with a broader trend observed in the area’s monthly statistics, suggesting sustained efforts or seasonal factors may be at play. On a daily basis, Gillingham recorded roughly 2 crimes per day in June, a figure that, while low, underscores the need for continued vigilance. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 180 residents, a monthly aggregate that places the area well below the UK average. When contextualised against Gillingham’s population of 11,325, this statistic illustrates a relatively safe environment for residents, particularly when compared to the UK-wide rate of 8.2 per 1,000. However, the 1-in-180 figure should not be interpreted as an indicator of risk-free living, as localised factors—such as community engagement or specific hotspots—can influence crime distribution. The population-scaled perspective further highlights that even modest crime numbers can have a tangible impact on residents’ perceptions of safety, especially in smaller communities where incidents are more likely to be known to individuals.