Dover Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Dover's crime profile in September 2023 was dominated by violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 45.1% of all reported crimes, a stark contrast to the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000. The overall crime rate for the area stood at 9.8 per 1,000 residents, placing it 22.5% above the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This discrepancy may be influenced by Dover's status as a coastal town with a mix of residential, commercial, and tourist areas, which can contribute to higher rates of violent crime. The seasonal context of September, marked by the return to school and the start of university term, likely played a role in shaping these patterns. As nights draw in and temperatures drop, the shift from summer to autumn may have altered outdoor activity levels, increasing opportunities for violent incidents. Anti-social behaviour, at 1.5 per 1,000, and criminal damage and arson, at 0.8 per 1,000, also featured prominently, indicating a broader spectrum of criminal activity. The area’s crime profile thus reflects a combination of local factors, including the impact of seasonal transitions and the presence of high-traffic areas that may contribute to higher rates of certain offences. While the UK average provides a benchmark, Dover’s unique characteristics—such as its proximity to major transport routes and its role as a port city—likely contribute to the elevated crime rates observed.

September 2023 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. Other crime increased by 113.6%, rising from 22 to 47 incidents, a sharp jump that may indicate emerging issues or underreported activities. Theft from the person also doubled, with 12 reported cases compared to 6 in August, suggesting a potential rise in targeted thefts. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 28.8%, declining from 73 to 52, possibly linked to seasonal factors such as the end of summer tourist activity. Vehicle crime rose by 94.4%, from 18 to 35, which may reflect increased traffic or changes in parking patterns. Violence and sexual offences remain significantly above the UK average, with a rate of 4.4 per 1,000 compared to the national average of 2.7 per 1,000, highlighting a persistent challenge in this category. These shifts illustrate the dynamic nature of crime in Dover, with some areas of concern growing while others show signs of decline.

Dover's crime rate in September 2023 rose by 16.0% compared to the previous month, moving from 8.5 to 9.8 per 1,000 residents. This upward trend suggests a shift in crime patterns during the month, potentially influenced by seasonal transitions. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 39 crimes per day in September, highlighting the frequency of incidents in a short timeframe. When considering the population context, over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 102 residents, underscoring the level of exposure to crime within the local community. This monthly exposure figure, while specific to Dover, provides a tangible sense of how crime impacts the area’s residents. The increase in overall crime rate, coupled with the daily crime count, may reflect heightened activity in certain areas or changes in policing focus. However, the exact reasons for these shifts remain to be explored through further analysis of local conditions and trends.