Dover Crime Rate

Dover, with a population of 119,768, reports an overall crime rate of 91.7 per 1,000 people per year. This figure places Dover slightly below the national average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, suggesting a comparatively safer environment. The area boasts a safety score of 78 out of 100, aligning with the UK average, which further indicates a generally secure living experience. In terms of recent trends, Dover has seen a positive development, with a 5.5% decrease in its crime rate year-over-year, contributing to an improved safety outlook for residents and visitors alike.

Dover, a significant port town, experiences crime statistics influenced by its unique characteristics. As a major transport hub connecting the UK to mainland Europe, it naturally has a transient population passing through its ferry terminal and port facilities. This constant flow of people can sometimes correlate with certain types of crime, such as theft and other opportunistic offences. The town combines residential areas with commercial zones and industrial elements related to the port, creating varied environments that present different security challenges. Economic factors within the area can also play a role, influencing crime rates in specific neighbourhoods. Understanding these contributing factors helps to contextualise Dover's crime rate and safety score, providing a more nuanced view beyond raw statistics.

An analysis of crime types in Dover reveals that Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 40.4% of total crimes with a rate of 37.0 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by Anti-social behaviour at 17.3% (15.9 per 1,000) and Criminal damage and arson at 9.5% (8.7 per 1,000). These three categories collectively represent a significant portion of the area's criminal activity.

Focusing on property-related crime, which encompasses burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, Dover records a rate of 27.7 per 1,000 people per year. This is notably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, this indicates a reduced likelihood of experiencing crimes directly affecting their property, such as burglaries (2.1 per 1,000), vehicle crime (3.3 per 1,000), and other theft (5.6 per 1,000). Understanding these patterns can help residents take targeted precautions.

Dover has experienced a positive trend in its crime statistics, with a 5.5% decrease in the overall crime rate year-over-year. This indicates a general improvement in safety across the area over the past twelve months. Examining the monthly trend data, crime rates have fluctuated, showing some seasonal variations. For instance, the crime rate per 1,000 residents saw a peak in May and July 2025 at 9.0, followed by a dip to 7.9 in June and a further decrease to 7.0 in September. December 2024 recorded one of the lowest rates at 6.3 per 1,000, suggesting a seasonal drop. Despite these monthly variations, the overarching trend remains one of decline, which is reassuring for the community.

When comparing Dover to its neighbouring local authority districts, a broader regional context emerges. Canterbury, Thanet, Folkestone and Hythe, Ashford, Swale, and Maidstone all offer different crime profiles. Dover's overall crime rate of 91.7 per 1,000 is slightly below the UK average, positioning it favourably against some of these areas. For instance, comparing its safety score of 78/100 to that of others in the region can provide valuable insight for those considering moving or assessing local safety. This regional overview highlights Dover's relative standing and contributes to a comprehensive understanding of crime patterns within the wider Kent area.

Enhancing Home Security in Dover

Given Dover's property crime rate of 27.7 per 1,000 people per year, which is lower than the national average, proactive home security measures are a sensible consideration for residents. While traditional security systems often focus on recording incidents after they occur, the emphasis should shift towards preventing crime before it happens.

Consider security solutions that offer proactive protection. Systems like scOS utilise AI to detect potential threats at your property boundary, rather than simply documenting a break-in. This multi-camera intelligence watches all cameras simultaneously, ensuring nothing is missed. Features such as DVLA vehicle verification can instantly flag suspicious vehicles, and pattern learning helps the system distinguish between routine activities and genuine threats. If a threat is detected, autonomous responses like activating lights and engaging speakers can destroy the element of surprise, often causing intruders to retreat.

Unlike basic DIY cameras that provide footage of a burglary, professional-grade systems are designed to intervene in real-time. Most burglars make a decision within 60 seconds of approaching a property; visible and intelligent deterrence makes them move on. While DIY setups have their place, investing in professional, proactive security offers a significant difference in safeguarding your home and belongings, aligning with a prevention-focused approach to security.