Dover Crime Rate

Crime in Dover

The Dover district maintains a crime rate that is slightly lower than the UK national average. The overall crime rate stands at 91.0 per 1,000 people per year, compared to the UK average of 93.1. This has resulted in a solid safety score of 78/100, indicating a secure environment for residents and visitors. The recent crime trend in Dover is classified as decreasing, with a welcome 5.2% drop year-over-year, which is a positive sign for the local community. Property crime is relatively low at 27.5 per 1,000 people—below the UK average of 32.9. As a major administrative and transport hub in Kent, its crime statistics reflect its active social and commercial life, as well as its status as a gateway to Europe.

About Dover

Dover is a major administrative and transport hub in Kent, famously home to the Port of Dover, one of the world's busiest passenger ports. The local authority area includes the historic port town itself, as well as several smaller urban settlements and a significant rural hinterland. The area's crime statistics are influenced by its unique characteristics as a major gateway to Europe, which brings a high volume of transient population through the district every day.

Economically, the port is the primary employer, but tourism and retail also play significant roles. The density of population in urban centres like Dover and Deal contrasts with the more sparsely populated rural parishes. This mix of high-activity transport hubs, commercial districts, and residential neighbourhoods creates a varied crime profile. While the overall crime rate of 91.0 per 1,000 people is slightly lower than the UK average, the concentration of activity in certain areas means that residents and businesses should remain aware of their surroundings and invest in proactive security measures.

Crime Breakdown in Dover

The crime breakdown for the Dover district is headed by violence and sexual offences, which account for 40.0% of all reported incidents (4,362 crimes). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common at 17.6%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 9.5%. These three categories represent the majority of local police activity.

Property crime in Dover is a significant concern, with a rate of 27.5 per 1,000 people, which is lower than the UK average of 32.9. This includes shoplifting (7.2%), other theft (6.1%), and vehicle crime (3.5%). Burglary accounts for 2.3% of total reports, while robbery and bicycle theft each make up less than 1%. The property crime rate, particularly in the form of theft and criminal damage, suggests that opportunistic crime is a factor across the district. For homeowners and businesses, this highlights the importance of maintaining a visible security presence and protecting physical assets from both break-ins and external damage.

Crime Trends in Dover

The crime trend in Dover is currently decreasing, with a notable 5.2% drop in reports year-over-year. Monthly data shows that crime rates were highest in May 2025 and July 2025, both at 9.0 per 1,000 people, followed by June at 7.9 and April at 7.8.

The lowest rate was observed in December 2024 (6.3), showing a significant drop in the early winter. Throughout the spring and summer, the rate remained relatively high, averaging around 8.0 per 1,000. This pattern suggests that crime in Dover can be variable, but the overall trend is one of improvement. For residents, this decrease is a positive sign that local safety initiatives are having an impact.

Nearby Areas Comparison

Compared to its immediate neighbours in East Kent, Dover is a central hub for activity. While it has a crime rate of 91.0 per 1,000 people, surrounding areas like Canterbury, Thanet, Folkestone and Hythe, Ashford, Swale, and Maidstone report lower crime levels. This difference is expected, as Dover's port, commercial districts, and transport links attract a much larger and more transient population than the nearby residential and rural areas. However, Dover remains a secure district, offering a good balance of amenities and safety for those who live and work there.

Home Security and scOS in Dover

Dover's property crime rate of 27.5 per 1,000 people is a positive indicator of its safety, but homeowners and business owners should still be mindful of opportunistic theft and criminal damage. In a district where community life is active and there is a high volume of transient population, traditional reactive security like basic CCTV often falls short. These systems only record a crime after it has happened, which provides little comfort to a victim of a break-in or vandalism.

scOS provides a proactive alternative by using AI-powered intelligence to identify and deter threats at the property boundary. Instead of just capturing footage, scOS monitors your property in real-time and can autonomously trigger deterrents like lighting and audio warnings before an intruder reaches your door. For Dover residents, scOS's ability to verify vehicles and learn your daily routines means fewer false alarms and more effective protection. In a district where properties may be left unattended during the day, moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention is the most effective way to ensure your home or business remains secure.

How To Keep Safe in Dover

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in the Dover district. Staying safe in this busy administrative and transport hub involves awareness and practical precautions.

1. Stick to Well-Lit Routes: When walking home at night, especially in the urban centres of Dover and Deal, use main roads and avoid unlit shortcuts or paths.
2. Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Even in a safe district, it's important to stay alert to the people around you and trust your instincts if a situation feels uncomfortable.
3. Secure Your Property: Always ensure doors and windows are locked when you are out or at night. Opportunistic theft can happen even in low-crime areas.
4. Report Anti-Social Behaviour: If you witness ASB, report it via the 101 non-emergency line. Consistent reporting helps local police manage resources and prevent minor issues from escalating.
5. Use Licensed Transport: If you have been out for the evening, always use a licensed taxi service or arrange a lift with someone you trust to ensure you get home safely.