Gillingham Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In December 2025, Gillingham (Dorset) recorded a crime rate of 3.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 48.6% below the UK average of 7.0 per 1,000. This figure underscores the area’s relative safety compared to national trends, though the breakdown of crime types reveals a notable imbalance: violent crimes (19) outnumbered property crimes (14) for the first time in recent records. This shift may be influenced by seasonal factors, such as the Christmas shopping peak and darker evenings, which could increase opportunities for violence and public order offences. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 46.3% of all incidents, a rate (1.7 per 1,000) that remains 34% below the UK average. This contrast with the national picture suggests that Gillingham’s community dynamics—likely shaped by its status as a built-up area within a rural county—may contribute to lower levels of certain crimes. However, the dominance of violent crime over property crime raises questions about local social interactions and the impact of holiday-related activities. For instance, the rise in public order offences (+200%) could be linked to increased alcohol consumption during festive events, while the 50% drop in shoplifting may reflect reduced foot traffic in retail areas during the Christmas period. These patterns highlight the complex relationship between seasonal rhythms and crime, as well as the importance of considering local context when interpreting national averages.

December 2025 marked a significant shift in Gillingham’s crime profile, with violent crimes (19) surpassing property crimes (14) for the first time in recent records. This reversal may reflect the impact of seasonal factors, such as increased social gatherings during the festive period, which could contribute to higher incidents of violence and public order offences. Public order offences surged by 200%, rising from one to three cases, a stark contrast to the 69.2% drop in anti-social behaviour, which fell from 13 to 4. This divergence suggests that while some forms of disorder may decline during the holidays, others—such as alcohol-fuelled incidents—could intensify. Violent crimes in Gillingham (1.7 per 1,000) remain 34% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, a disparity that may be influenced by the area’s smaller, more cohesive community structure. Meanwhile, bicycle theft and drug-related crimes both increased by 100% from zero to one incident each, indicating potential gaps in local crime prevention efforts or shifts in criminal activity patterns. These changes highlight the need for targeted interventions in specific areas, such as public spaces where public order offences have risen sharply.

December 2025 saw Gillingham’s crime rate fall to 3.6 per 1,000 residents, a 14.6% decrease from the previous month’s 4.2. This decline aligns with broader seasonal patterns, as December’s shorter evenings and holiday-related absences may reduce opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one reported crime per day, a figure that, while low, reflects the built-up nature of Gillingham and its proximity to rural Dorset. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure translates to one crime for every 276 residents, a statistic that underscores the area’s relative safety compared to national averages. This ratio is particularly notable when considering Gillingham’s 11,325 residents, as it suggests that most individuals in the area are unlikely to encounter crime during any given month. The reduction in anti-social behaviour (down 69.2%) and shoplifting (down 50%) further supports the idea that seasonal factors—such as reduced foot traffic in retail areas during Christmas—may have played a role in dampening crime rates. However, the rise in public order offences (+200%) and the emergence of bicycle theft and drug-related incidents highlight the need for continued vigilance in specific contexts.