Gillingham (Dorset) Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 marked a continuation of Gillingham’s historically low crime profile, with an overall rate of 2.3 crimes per 1,000 residents—64.1% below the UK average. This stark contrast to national trends highlights the area’s unique characteristics as a compact built-up area within rural Dorset, where limited public spaces and strong community cohesion may contribute to lower crime opportunities. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 50% of all incidents. This figure, though significant locally, remains 48% below the UK average for this category, a disparity that may reflect Gillingham’s smaller population and lower prevalence of alcohol-fuelled incidents in nightlife areas. Other theft, at 15.4% of total crimes, showed a notable 300% increase from the previous month, though it still remains 5% below the UK average for this category. Seasonal factors likely play a role, as February’s low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull may shift criminal opportunities toward indoor spaces. Anti-social behaviour, which declined by 57.1% compared to January, accounted for 11.5% of all crimes, a rate 67% below the UK average. This suggests that Gillingham’s built-up nature, with its limited public areas and community-focused policing, may naturally suppress such incidents. The area’s burglary rate, at 7.7% of total crimes, is 20% below the UK average, a trend consistent with the low number of vacant properties and the compact nature of the built-up area. These figures collectively illustrate a community where crime prevention efforts and environmental design—such as well-lit public spaces and strong local engagement—may be contributing to sustained low rates, even as specific categories like 'other theft' show temporary fluctuations.

February 2026 saw a sharp 300% increase in 'other theft' crimes, rising from one to four incidents. This spike, though small in absolute terms, may reflect seasonal patterns such as increased indoor activity during colder weather or targeted opportunities in residential areas. Conversely, public order offences fell by 66.7%, likely linked to reduced outdoor gatherings during winter. Violent crimes, which account for 50% of all incidents, remain 48% below the UK average for this category, a trend consistent with Gillingham’s lower population density and community-oriented policing efforts. Anti-social behaviour also declined by 57.1%, potentially tied to shorter evenings and reduced foot traffic in local amenities. The area’s burglary rate is 20% below the UK average, a figure that may be influenced by the built-up area’s layout and limited vacant properties during the winter months.

Gillingham’s crime rate in February 2026 dropped by 31.5% compared to January, reflecting a marked shift in local crime dynamics. The previous month’s rate of 3.4 per 1,000 residents now stands at 2.3 per 1,000, a decline consistent with seasonal patterns observed in similar built-up areas during winter. Daily crime statistics show an average of one reported crime per day in February, a figure that, while low, underscores the need for continued vigilance in community safety. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 436 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Gillingham well below the UK average when scaled to population size. This suggests that local factors—such as the area’s compact built-up nature and limited public spaces—may naturally constrain opportunities for certain types of crime. The population-scaled perspective further highlights that even small fluctuations in crime numbers can be significant when viewed through the lens of Gillingham’s relatively small community size.