Gillingham (Dorset) Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For a built-up area within Dorset, Gillingham’s crime rate of 3.8 per 1,000 residents in May 2025 reflects a community that is significantly safer than the UK average. This rate, which is 53.1% below the national figure of 8.1 per 1,000, underscores the effectiveness of local policing or the area’s inherent characteristics. The crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 41.9% of all reported incidents, followed by other theft (14.0%) and anti-social behaviour (11.6%). These figures suggest that interpersonal conflicts and minor thefts remain the primary concerns, though the overall volume of crimes is low. Seasonal factors in May—such as longer evenings, bank holidays, and increased outdoor socialising—may have influenced the frequency of violent incidents, as outdoor drinking and social activity can sometimes correlate with higher rates of assault. However, the absence of a significant spike in property crimes compared to the UK average indicates that Gillingham’s built-up area may have fewer opportunities for burglary or vehicle-related offences, due to its smaller scale or community-focused policing strategies. The balance between violent and property crimes is nearly equal, with 18 each in May, a pattern that may reflect the area’s mix of residential and commercial spaces. While the crime rate remains low, the fluctuations in specific categories—such as the 50% increase in burglary—highlight the need for continued monitoring. These trends align with broader UK patterns where smaller towns and built-up areas often see more concentrated but lower-volume crime, shaped by local demographics and geography. For residents, the data suggests a generally safe environment, though the seasonal context means that vigilance during evenings and weekends may still be warranted.

May 2025 saw notable shifts in Gillingham’s crime profile, with burglary increasing by 50% (2 to 3 incidents) and criminal damage and arson rising by 33.3% (3 to 4). These increases may be linked to seasonal factors such as longer evenings and increased outdoor activity, which can sometimes correlate with property-related offences. Conversely, shoplifting dropped by 50% (6 to 3), potentially reflecting heightened awareness or targeted interventions during the month. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, accounting for 41.9% of all crimes, but this rate was 43% below the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000. Other theft and anti-social behaviour also fell significantly, with the latter decreasing by 28.6% (7 to 5). These trends suggest a mixed picture of stability and localized change, with property crimes showing more volatility than violent offences. Residents may find the 50% drop in shoplifting particularly noteworthy, as it indicates a potential reduction in retail-related incidents during a month typically associated with increased foot traffic.

In May 2025, Gillingham (Dorset) recorded a crime rate of 3.8 per 1,000 residents, a 6.4% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 4.1 per 1,000. This decline places the area well below the UK average, which stood at 8.1 per 1,000. Daily crime statistics for the month reveal an average of 1 crime reported per day, translating to a monthly exposure of roughly 1 crime for every 263 residents. While this figure may seem abstract, it underscores the relatively low frequency of crime in Gillingham compared to the national average. For a community of 11,325 residents, the monthly total of 43 crimes means that the likelihood of encountering a crime is significantly lower than in many other parts of the UK. The population-scaled perspective further highlights how Gillingham’s crime profile remains stable and manageable, even as specific categories like burglary and criminal damage show modest fluctuations. These numbers suggest that the area’s overall safety remains consistent with its historical trends, though localized shifts in crime types warrant closer attention.