Dover Crime Rate February 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Dover’s crime rate in February 2023 stood at 7.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 7.2% above the UK average of 6.9. This figure translates to a tangible risk for local residents, with one reported crime occurring for roughly every 135 individuals over the course of the month. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 43% of all incidents, a stark contrast to the UK average of 30% for this category. This dominance of violent crime may reflect local factors such as the town’s proximity to major transport routes or the influence of seasonal dynamics, with February’s low outdoor activity potentially shifting crime to more indoor or densely populated areas. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common category, contributed 11.8% of crimes but remained 7% below the UK average, suggesting effective community policing or local initiatives in this area. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with reduced daylight and colder temperatures—may have influenced patterns, with lower outdoor activity contributing to higher indoor crime rates. Property crimes, including shoplifting and criminal damage, also showed marked deviations from the UK average, with shoplifting at 36% above the national figure. This could be linked to Dover’s role as a major port and tourist destination, where retail areas may face heightened risk. Conversely, vehicle crime and burglary were both below UK averages, due to the area’s lower population density or specific security measures in place. These variations highlight the need for a nuanced understanding of local conditions, rather than applying broad UK-wide trends directly to Dover’s unique context.

February 2023 saw violence and sexual offences constitute 43% of all crimes in Dover, significantly higher than the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000. This category alone contributed to 382 incidents, a figure that may prompt local authorities to reassess safety measures in high-risk areas. Conversely, anti-social behaviour and public order offences were below UK averages, with anti-social behaviour at 0.9 per 1,000 (7% below the UK rate of 1.0) and public order at 0.4 per 1,000 (30% below the UK rate of 0.6). These disparities suggest a combination of community engagement and enforcement in different crime categories. Shoplifting was 36% above the UK average, with 74 incidents recorded, highlighting potential vulnerabilities in retail environments. Meanwhile, burglary and vehicle crime were both below UK averages, at 0.2 per 1,000 (35% and 56% below, respectively), possibly reflecting the area’s lower density or specific security measures in place.

In February 2023, Dover recorded 32 reported crimes per day, a figure that underscores the frequency of incidents within the local community. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 135 residents, translating to a monthly exposure rate that residents may find useful for contextualising personal risk. With a population of 119,768, this statistic illustrates how crime is distributed across the area, offering a tangible measure of likelihood rather than abstract rates. The daily crime context is particularly relevant for those considering safety in daily routines, such as commuting or evening activities. While this data does not compare directly to UK-wide daily figures, it provides a local benchmark for understanding patterns. The population-scaled perspective reveals that, despite the overall rate being 7.2% above the UK average, the distribution of crimes across Dover’s 119,768 residents may reflect specific local dynamics, such as the town’s coastal location or seasonal factors. This breakdown allows residents to assess their own risk in relation to the broader demographic context.