Dover Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Dover's crime profile in November 2024 was defined by a 3.9% reduction in the overall crime rate, sitting at 7.3 per 1,000 residents compared to the UK average of 7.6. This slight edge over the national benchmark masks a complex distribution of crime types, with violence and sexual offences standing out as a significant outlier. At 338 incidents, these crimes accounted for 38.7% of all reported offences in the month, a figure 9% above the UK average for this category. The dominance of violent crime in Dover's monthly tally reflects the area's unique challenges as a coastal town with a mix of tourism, retail, and residential populations. Anti-social behaviour (131 incidents, 15.0% of total) and criminal damage and arson (90 incidents, 10.3%) formed the second and third most common crime types, respectively, with the latter 40% above the UK average. Seasonal factors in November—such as the darkening evenings and the proximity of Bonfire Night—likely contributed to the persistence of anti-social behaviour, while Black Friday shopping may have influenced the sharp rise in theft from the person. The town's proximity to the English Channel and its role as a major port may also explain the relatively low rates of burglary and vehicle crime, as these areas are typically more secure due to surveillance and high foot traffic. However, the elevated rates of violence and sexual offences highlight the need for targeted policing efforts in areas with concentrated nightlife or high-density housing.

Month-on-month changes revealed significant shifts in specific crime categories. Theft from the person surged by 133.3%, rising from three to seven incidents, a stark increase that may reflect heightened activity during Black Friday shopping. Possession of weapons also rose sharply, with an 87.5% increase from eight to 15 cases, a figure that could indicate ongoing challenges in managing illicit substances and associated paraphernalia. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 16.7%, dropping from six to five incidents, linked to seasonal changes in cycling activity. The overall crime mix shows a notable imbalance: violent crimes (338) account for 38.7% of all reported incidents, significantly higher than the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour, at 15.0% of total crimes, remains a persistent issue but is 1% below the UK average. These variations underscore the need for tailored interventions in high-risk zones, particularly around the town's retail and leisure areas.

Dover's crime rate in November 2024 stood at 7.3 per 1,000 residents, a 2.1% decrease from the previous month's rate of 7.5 per 1,000. This downward trend aligns with the local authority's historical patterns of seasonal fluctuations, where crime rates often dip in late autumn. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 29 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of criminal activity in a densely populated coastal district. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 137 residents, a metric that highlights the relative frequency of incidents in a community of over 119,000 people. This monthly exposure rate, while modest compared to urban centres, remains a key consideration for local authorities and residents. The population-scaled perspective underscores the need for targeted policing strategies in high-traffic areas such as the town centre and coastal routes, which see significant footfall during holiday periods like Bonfire Night.