Dover Crime Rate April 2025 | Monthly Statistics

April 2025 presented an unexpected surge in violent crime in Dover, a coastal town in Kent, where violence and sexual offences rose to 341 cases—11% above the UK average. This marked departure from typical patterns is particularly striking given Dover’s usual seasonal context, where spring weather and Easter activities typically correlate with lower crime rates. The overall crime rate of 7.8 per 1,000 residents placed Dover slightly above the UK average of 7.7. The most prominent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 36.3% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (19.7%) and criminal damage and arson (9.7%). These figures suggest a shift in the crime profile, with violent incidents dominating over property-related crimes. The seasonal context of April, with its Easter holidays and increased outdoor activity, may have contributed to this trend. Anti-social behaviour, which was 13% above the UK average, and criminal damage and arson, 40% above the UK average, further highlight areas of concern. The town’s coastal and urban characteristics likely influence these patterns, with public spaces and areas near the port potentially seeing higher levels of conflict or vandalism. The data also reveals a stark contrast in categories: theft from the person was 100% below the UK average, indicating a lower incidence of petty theft, while other crime—such as unclassified incidents—was 76% above the UK average, suggesting an emerging or underreported issue. This combination of factors underscores the need for targeted analysis and community engagement to address the rise in violent crime while maintaining vigilance in other areas.

April 2025 saw a dramatic 100% increase in robbery, with incidents doubling from 1 to 2. Vehicle crime also rose sharply, doubling from 18 to 36, a 100% increase. Shoplifting climbed by 49.1%, rising from 55 to 82 cases. These spikes contrast with declines in burglary, which fell by 19.2%, and other crime, which dropped by 13.9%. The violent crime category, including violence and sexual offences, was 11% above the UK average at 2.9 per 1,000, a stark contrast to the UK's 2.6 per 1,000. Meanwhile, public order offences were 7% below the UK average, suggesting a relative decrease in disruptions in public spaces. For residents, the rise in vehicle crime may be linked to increased foot traffic during the Easter period. The data also shows that theft from the person was 100% below the UK average, indicating lower rates of petty theft in the area.

Dover's crime rate in April 2025 rose to 7.8 per 1,000 residents, a 3.3% increase from the previous month's 7.6 per 1,000. This places the area slightly above the UK average. On a daily basis, 31 crimes were reported each day in April, reflecting the consistent rhythm of local activity. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 128 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for Dover’s population of 119,768. When compared to the UK average, Dover’s rate is 1.3% higher, but this is a marginal difference. The local population context means that the 1-in-128 ratio is a monthly aggregate, not a daily measure, and residents should interpret it as a long-term trend rather than an immediate risk. This rate is consistent with Dover’s character as a coastal town with a mix of urban and tourist activity, where crime patterns may shift with seasonal factors like the Easter period.