Aylesham Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Aylesham’s crime profile in January 2026, accounting for 41.4% of all reported incidents—a rate of 1.6 per 1,000 residents. This category, which includes assaults and sexual misconduct, was 36% below the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000, suggesting that local factors such as community cohesion or policing strategies may contribute to its relatively lower incidence. The second most common crime was shoplifting, with four incidents (13.8% of total crimes), though this also remained 12% below the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. The seasonal context of January—characterised by post-holiday periods, reduced retail footfall, and shorter daylight hours—likely influenced the overall crime profile, with fewer opportunities for outdoor crimes such as vehicle theft or vandalism. The area’s built-up character within Dover, a coastal town with a mix of residential and commercial zones, may explain the prominence of violent crimes, as smaller urban areas often experience higher rates of interpersonal conflicts. However, the overall crime rate of 3.8 per 1,000 residents was 44.1% below the UK average, reflecting Aylesham’s generally safer environment. This could be partly due to its relatively small population and the absence of major industrial or nightlife hubs that often correlate with higher crime rates. The balance between property and violent crimes remained equal, with 12 incidents each, though property crimes were generally lower than the UK average. This suggests that while violent crime remains a priority for local authorities, the area’s broader crime profile is relatively stable and manageable compared to larger urban centres.

January 2026 saw notable shifts in crime patterns within Aylesham, with possession of weapons increasing by 100% compared to the previous month, rising from one to two incidents. This surge, while small in absolute terms, may reflect heightened tensions or changes in local enforcement practices. Concurrently, criminal damage and arson fell by 75%, dropping from eight to two incidents—a stark contrast that could be linked to seasonal factors such as the reduced foot traffic and colder weather, which may deter vandalism. The balance between property and violent crimes remained equal, with 12 incidents each, though violent crimes—particularly violence and sexual offences—exceeded the UK average by 36%. This divergence may be attributed to Aylesham’s proximity to Dover, where transient populations or specific local dynamics could contribute to higher rates of interpersonal crime. Residents may find the 100% increase in possession of weapons concerning, though the low absolute numbers suggest this remains a minor but evolving trend.

Aylesham's crime rate in January 2026 (3.8 per 1,000 residents) reflects a marginal decline from the previous month’s 3.9 per 1,000, marking a 3.6% reduction. This slight downward trend aligns with the seasonal context of January, a post-holiday period typically characterised by reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours, which may limit opportunities for outdoor crimes. The daily crime count in January averaged one incident per day, a figure that, while low, underscores the persistent presence of crime in the area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 263 residents, highlighting the relatively low exposure to crime compared to larger urban centres. Given Aylesham’s population of 7,622, this monthly aggregate suggests that the community experiences crime at a rate significantly lower than the UK average, though local factors such as proximity to Dover’s port and the area’s built-up character may influence specific crime patterns. The low daily frequency also implies that most residents are unlikely to encounter crime in their daily lives, a contrast to areas with higher population densities or more concentrated commercial activity.