Gillingham (Dorset) Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

The crime mix in Gillingham (Dorset) during September 2024 reveals a distinct balance between violent and property-related offences, offering insight into local dynamics. With a crime rate of 4.1 per 1,000 residents — 46.8% below the UK average — the area remains significantly safer than the national benchmark. Violence and sexual offences dominate, accounting for 34.8% of all reported crimes (16 incidents), followed by property crimes (19 incidents, 41.3% of total). This split suggests a focus on interpersonal conflicts rather than large-scale property crime, a pattern often seen in smaller built-up areas with limited commercial density. The seasonal context of September, marked by the return of students and the transition to darker evenings, may partly explain the higher proportion of violent offences, as outdoor activity shifts and social interactions intensify. Anti-social behaviour (13.0% of total crimes) and public order offences (10.9%) are both well below UK averages, aligning with the area’s likely low population density and limited nightlife infrastructure. The absence of significant theft from the person or burglary incidents further supports the idea of a community with fewer opportunities for opportunistic crimes, possibly due to lower foot traffic or stronger local policing. This crime profile underscores Gillingham’s status as a relatively low-risk area, where community cohesion and geographic characteristics may contribute to the subdued crime rates observed this month.

September 2024 saw stark contrasts in crime trends, with vehicle crime surging by 200% (1 to 3 incidents) and criminal damage and arson rising by 133.3% (3 to 7). These increases may reflect seasonal factors, such as the return of students and the heightened use of vehicles during the academic term. Conversely, shoplifting fell sharply by 70% (10 to 3), potentially due to reduced foot traffic in retail areas as schools resumed. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences remained below UK averages, with the latter 29% lower than the national rate. The category of violence and sexual offences, while still the most common crime type, was 47% below the UK average (1.4 per 1,000), highlighting a broader trend of lower interpersonal conflict in the area. For residents, the significant drop in shoplifting is a tangible benefit, suggesting that local retail environments may have adapted effectively to seasonal changes. The rise in vehicle crime, however, underscores the need for continued attention to vehicle security, particularly in areas with higher student populations or increased temporary housing.

Compared to the previous month (August 2024), Gillingham’s crime rate fell by 29.3%, from 5.7 to 4.1 per 1,000 residents, marking a consistent downward trend. This decline translates to a local monthly exposure of one reported crime for every 246 residents, a figure that places the area well within the range of safer communities. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of two crimes per day over September, a manageable frequency that may reflect the built-up nature of the area and its relatively low population density. When scaled to the local population of 11,325, the crime rate remains a stark contrast to the UK average, underscoring the effectiveness of local policing or community initiatives in maintaining safety. The reduction in violent crime and property-related incidents suggests that targeted efforts — such as increased patrols during peak hours or collaboration with local businesses — may be contributing to the trend. While the absolute number of crimes remains low, the shifts in specific categories (e.g. vehicle crime) indicate areas where resources might be better allocated. This comparison reinforces the notion that Gillingham (Dorset) is not only safer than the UK average but also demonstrating measurable progress in reducing crime over time.