Dover Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Dover’s crime profile in November 2024 reveals a combination of local conditions and broader national trends. The overall crime rate of 7.3 per 1,000 residents, 3.9% below the UK average, suggests a generally safer environment compared to the rest of the country. However, this figure masks significant variations in crime types, with violence and sexual offences emerging as the most prominent category. These incidents, at 338 total cases, account for 38.7% of all crimes reported, a rate of 2.8 per 1,000 that exceeds the UK average by 9%. This discrepancy may be influenced by Dover’s status as a coastal town with a bustling port and tourist infrastructure, both of which can contribute to higher rates of interpersonal crime. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common category, remains relatively stable at 1.1 per 1,000, slightly below the UK average. The seasonal context of November—marked by the approach of Bonfire Night and the commercial activity of Black Friday—likely plays a role in shaping these patterns. The darker evenings and increased foot traffic in retail areas may contribute to both the rise in violent incidents and the decline in property crimes such as shoplifting, which fell 28% below the UK average. This contrast highlights the importance of localized factors in determining crime trends, as Dover’s unique geography and economic activity create a distinct profile compared to other UK regions.

November saw a stark rise in theft from the person, surging 133.3% from 3 to 7 incidents. This sharp increase, though still low in absolute terms, signals a potential shift in criminal activity patterns during the month’s darker evenings. Concurrently, possession of weapons rose 87.5%, from 8 to 15 cases, a figure that exceeds the UK average by 67%. These spikes may be linked to seasonal factors such as Bonfire Night, which often sees heightened alcohol consumption and public gatherings. In contrast, bicycle theft fell 16.7%, from 6 to 5, a decline that aligns with the UK-wide trend but remains a minor concern. The breakdown of crime types also reveals a significant imbalance: violence and sexual offences accounted for 38.7% of all crimes, compared to 2.6 per 1,000 nationally. This 9% gap above the UK average suggests that Dover’s urban environment and proximity to transport hubs may contribute to higher rates of interpersonal crime, despite the overall downward trend in total incidents.

Dover’s crime rate in November 2024 dropped 2.1% from 7.5 to 7.3 per 1,000 residents, marking a slight but consistent decline. This follows a trend seen in recent months, though the pace of reduction has slowed compared to earlier in the year. On a daily basis, 29 crimes were reported in November, a figure that, while consistent with prior months, reflects the area’s ongoing challenge with maintaining low crime levels during peak seasonal periods. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 137 residents, a ratio that places Dover slightly ahead of the UK average in terms of exposure. With a population of 119,768, this translates to a manageable but non-trivial risk for residents. The drop in overall rate contrasts with a slight uptick in violent crimes and drug-related offences, suggesting that while broader crime trends are easing, targeted areas of concern remain. This balance between decline and localized spikes underscores the need for sustained community engagement and policing efforts.