Dover Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Dover's crime rate for December 2025 stood at 7.1 per 1,000 residents, placing it 1.4% above the UK average of 7.0 per 1,000. This figure reflects a combination of seasonal pressures and local dynamics in a coastal town with a mix of residential, commercial, and tourist areas. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 41.4% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (15.8%) and criminal damage and arson (9.5%). These patterns align with Dover's role as a major port and tourist destination, where high foot traffic during the Christmas shopping season may contribute to incidents of violence and property crime. The seasonal context of December—characterised by extended periods of darkness, festive crowds, and the closure of some homes during holiday absences—likely amplifies risks in public spaces. Shoplifting remained 12% below the UK average, a trend consistent with Dover's retail environment, where security measures in larger stores may deter theft. However, the elevated rates of violence and anti-social behaviour suggest ongoing challenges in maintaining public safety during peak holiday periods, requiring targeted interventions in areas with high concentrations of nightlife and commercial activity.

December 2025 saw significant reductions in anti-social behaviour, which fell by 16.8% compared to November, potentially reflecting increased community engagement during the festive season or enhanced policing efforts in high-risk areas. Meanwhile, shoplifting remained 12% below the UK average, a consistent trend that may be attributed to Dover's retail sector implementing robust security protocols. Conversely, bicycle theft surged by 100% (from 1 to 2 incidents), a sharp increase that could signal vulnerabilities in local bike storage infrastructure during the winter months. Possession of weapons also rose by 42.9%, a concerning uptick that may be linked to the darker evenings and increased alcohol consumption associated with the festive period. Public order offences increased by 43.5%, likely tied to the convergence of holiday crowds and the town's proximity to major transport hubs. These findings underscore the need for targeted strategies to address specific vulnerabilities while building on the positive momentum seen in areas like anti-social behaviour reduction.

Dover's crime rate in December 2025 (7.1 per 1,000) marked a 2.0% increase compared to the previous month's rate of 7.0 per 1,000. This monthly shift translates to approximately 27 crimes reported each day in Dover, a figure that, while routine for a town of 119,768 residents, highlights the persistent demand on local policing resources. Over the course of December, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 141 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while slightly higher than the UK average, remains within the expected range for a coastal area with significant tourist activity. When contextualised against Dover's population, this rate illustrates the challenges of balancing economic activity with public safety in a town that hosts both permanent residents and transient visitors. The increase in overall crime rate was most pronounced in violent and sexual offences, which remained 13% above the UK average, a disparity that may reflect Dover's unique demographic profile and the pressures of its port operations. These figures provide a benchmark for residents to assess local crime trends against both national averages and historical patterns in their own neighbourhoods.