Deal Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

November 2023 saw Deal maintain a safer-than-average crime profile compared to the UK, with a recorded rate of 6.2 crimes per 1,000 residents — 17.3% below the national average of 7.5. The month's crime picture was dominated by violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 51.1% of all reported crimes, followed by criminal damage and arson (14.4%) and anti-social behaviour (10.1%). This pattern contrasts with the UK average, where violence and sexual offences make up 24% of the total, suggesting local factors may contribute to the elevated proportion of violent crime in Deal. Seasonal dynamics played a role, with Bonfire Night and Black Friday shopping likely influencing patterns of public order incidents and retail-related crimes. The area's coastal location and proximity to Dover may also shape crime trends, with anti-social behaviour linked to seasonal tourism or local community dynamics. While property crimes remained relatively low compared to the UK average, the higher-than-average rates of criminal damage and arson could reflect specific local issues, such as community tensions or targeted vandalism. The overall trend suggests a balance between persistent violent crime and lower property crime rates, which may be influenced by local policing strategies, community engagement, or environmental factors unique to the area.

The month-on-month analysis reveals a mixed picture of change, with possession of weapons crimes surging by 100% compared to October 2023. This sharp increase from zero to two incidents could indicate emerging patterns of illicit activity or heightened police visibility in specific locations. Conversely, other crime categories saw significant declines, with 'other crime' dropping by 85.7% (from 7 to 1) and vehicle crime falling by 66.7% (from 3 to 1). These decreases may reflect improved security measures, successful policing interventions, or natural fluctuations in crime reporting. The crime mix also shows notable deviations from the UK average: violence and sexual offences in Deal are 24% above the national average, while anti-social behaviour is 43% below. This divergence suggests that while violent crime remains a pressing concern, community-focused initiatives may be effective in reducing disorder-related incidents. The UK average for shoplifting is 0.6 per 1,000, but Deal's rate is 27% lower, which could be linked to the area's smaller retail footprint or targeted anti-theft measures. Residents might find the 100% reduction in vehicle crime particularly reassuring, though the small sample size means this change should be interpreted with caution.

November 2023 marked an 11.8% decrease in Deal's crime rate compared to October, falling from 7.1 to 6.2 per 1,000 residents. This downward trend translates to a daily crime count of approximately 6 incidents — a figure that, while consistent with the area's historical patterns, remains lower than the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 161 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Deal among the safer built-up areas in England. When scaled to the local population of 30,203, this means that each resident faces a proportionally lower risk of victimisation compared to the UK average. The previous month's rate of 7.1 per 1,000 suggests a seasonal dip in criminal activity, which may be influenced by the transition from autumn to winter — a period typically associated with reduced outdoor activity and increased indoor gatherings. The 17.3% gap between Deal's rate and the UK average underscores the area's distinct crime profile, which appears to be shaped by its coastal location, relatively compact population, and possibly more effective local policing. These comparative metrics provide residents with a clear benchmark for understanding their personal risk levels, though they should be considered alongside local context such as community initiatives and environmental factors.