Gillingham (Dorset) Crime Rate July 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In July 2025, Gillingham (Dorset) recorded a crime rate of 3.1 per 1,000 residents, placing it 64% below the UK average of 8.6. This figure, while modest, reflects the area’s consistently low crime profile, which is likely influenced by its status as a built-up area within a rural county. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 42.9% of total incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (17.1%) and criminal damage and arson (14.3%). These patterns align with seasonal dynamics, as the summer months typically see heightened activity in public spaces, including events and tourism, which may contribute to both increases and decreases in specific crime categories. For instance, the sharp rise in criminal damage and arson could be attributed to the proliferation of summer festivals and outdoor events, which may inadvertently create opportunities for such acts. Conversely, the 75% decline in burglary may reflect heightened community vigilance or improved security measures during the peak tourist season. The area’s overall crime rate remains significantly lower than the UK average, a trend that appears to be reinforced by its geographical context—positioned within a county where rural isolation and limited urban density may naturally deter certain types of crime. This combination of low population density and targeted policing efforts likely plays a role in maintaining the area’s safety, even as seasonal fluctuations in activity levels influence specific crime types.

July 2025 saw a 400% increase in criminal damage and arson, rising from one to five incidents, a sharp contrast to the 75% decrease in burglary, which fell from four to one. This shift highlights a growing focus on property-related crimes in public spaces, possibly linked to increased outdoor activity during the summer. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, but their rate of 1.3 per 1,000 was 57% below the UK average, suggesting that local factors—such as community engagement or policing strategies—may be effective in curbing such incidents. Meanwhile, shoplifting rose by 100% from zero to two cases, a change that could be tied to the peak tourist season and the presence of retail outlets in the area. The 68% reduction in anti-social behaviour, from 1.6 to 0.5 per 1,000, further illustrates a broader trend of decreasing disorderly conduct during the summer months.

Gillingham (Dorset) saw an 8.0% decrease in its crime rate from 3.4 to 3.1 per 1,000 residents between June and July 2025, marking a continued downward trend. This reduction aligns with the localised pattern of seasonal crime fluctuations, where summer months often see shifts in criminal activity tied to tourism and event schedules. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly one reported crime per day in July, a figure that, while low, reflects the small population size and the community’s relative safety. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 324 residents, a statistic that underscores the low frequency of incidents in a built-up area with a population of 11,325. This monthly exposure rate is lower than many comparable UK towns, suggesting that Gillingham’s crime profile remains consistently below national averages. The population-scaled perspective reinforces the notion that the area’s crime prevention measures, combined with its geographical and social characteristics, contribute to maintaining a secure environment for residents.