Dover Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Dover's crime profile in November 2023 reveals a striking anomaly: violence and sexual offences, at 3.3 per 1,000 residents, outpaced the UK average by 27%. This category alone accounted for 45.2% of all reported crimes, overshadowing other types. The overall crime rate of 7.3 per 1,000 residents placed Dover 2.7% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, reflecting a combination of local factors and broader trends. Seasonal dynamics in November—marked by the convergence of Bonfire Night, Black Friday shopping, and the encroaching darkness of winter—likely influenced patterns. The port city’s proximity to the Channel and its role as a tourist destination may have amplified certain risks. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.8 per 1,000, was 24% below the UK average, suggesting community efforts or environmental factors may be curbing such incidents. Conversely, criminal damage and arson, at 0.8 per 1,000, were 36% above the UK average, linked to increased vandalism during the festive season. The dominance of violent crime, however, raises questions about local tensions or vulnerabilities from the data alone. This month’s figures underscore the need for targeted interventions in high-risk categories while acknowledging Dover’s generally lower crime rate compared to the national average.

November 2023 saw notable shifts in Dover’s crime mix, with theft from the person rising by 20% (from 5 to 6 incidents), a small but statistically significant increase. This rise may align with the timing of Black Friday shopping, though no definitive link can be confirmed. Meanwhile, drugs-related crime plummeted by 50% (from 38 to 19), a dramatic decline that could reflect temporary enforcement actions or seasonal changes in illicit activity. Robbery and bicycle theft also fell sharply—by 44.4% and 42.9% respectively—influenced by colder weather reducing outdoor activity or improved security measures. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prominent category, significantly outpacing the UK average, though their share of total crimes (45.2%) was consistent with previous months. Anti-social behaviour, at 11.1% of all crimes, was 24% below the UK average, a contrast to the elevated rates of criminal damage and arson. Residents may find the 29 daily crime figure (based on 868 total incidents) a useful benchmark for understanding local risk levels, though this does not account for population density or spatial distribution.

Dover’s crime rate in November 2023 (7.3 per 1,000) marked a 15.9% decrease from the previous month’s 8.6 per 1,000, a decline that may reflect seasonal adjustments or targeted policing efforts. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 138 residents—a rate that, while lower than the UK average, still translates to a tangible presence in daily life. On a daily basis, Dover recorded 29 crimes per day, a figure that, when contextualised against its population of 119,768, highlights the need for continued vigilance. The drop in overall crime compared to October 2023 contrasts with the UK’s generally stable rates, suggesting Dover may have implemented effective strategies or benefited from external factors. However, the persistence of violent crime above the national average indicates areas for further attention. While the 2.7% gap below the UK average is modest, it underscores Dover’s relative safety compared to the broader UK context, particularly in categories like anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime, which were both significantly below the UK average. This comparative advantage, however, is tempered by the elevated rates of violence and criminal damage, illustrating the nuanced nature of local crime patterns.