Dover Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

December 2025 marked a combination of seasonal pressures and localized trends in Dover's crime profile. The overall crime rate of 7.1 per 1,000 residents, 1.4% above the UK average, reflects the dual influence of holiday-related activity and the area's coastal character. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 41.4% of all crimes, with a rate of 2.9 per 1,000 that is 13% above the national average. This figure, while concerning, may be partially explained by the influx of visitors during the Christmas shopping period and the extended evening hours typical of a coastal town. Anti-social behaviour, at 1.1 per 1,000, showed an 18% gap above the UK average, potentially linked to the convergence of local and transient populations during the festive season. In contrast, shoplifting rates dropped 12% below the UK average, a development that may be attributed to enhanced security measures in retail zones and the seasonal shift in consumer behaviour. The seasonal context of December—marked by dark evenings, empty homes over holidays, and the peak of Christmas shopping—likely contributes to the fluctuating patterns observed. While violent crime remains a priority for local authorities, the reduction in anti-social behaviour and shoplifting suggests that targeted interventions have begun to yield results. The relatively low rates of burglary (29% below UK average) and theft from the person (100% below UK average) further illustrate the effectiveness of community policing efforts in preventing certain types of crime. As Dover transitions into the new year, maintaining these positive trends while addressing the persistent challenges in violent and property crime will be critical for sustaining public confidence in local safety measures.

December 2025 saw a notable 100% increase in bicycle theft, likely linked to holiday shopping activity and increased outdoor activity during the festive season. This surge contrasts with a 50% drop in theft from the person, possibly due to heightened security measures in retail areas. Anti-social behaviour fell by 16.8% month-on-month, a positive shift that may reflect the impact of seasonal events drawing crowds away from usual hotspots. Meanwhile, public order offences rose by 43.5%, consistent with the party season and extended evening hours during the Christmas period. Shoplifting, at 0.5 per 1,000, remains 12% below the UK average, suggesting that targeted interventions in retail zones have had a sustained effect. The 35% above UK average rate for criminal damage and arson, however, underscores ongoing challenges in managing property-related incidents during the winter months.

Dover's crime rate in December 2025 rose 2.0% compared to November, marking a slight upward trend. This brings the monthly rate to 7.1 per 1,000 residents, aligning with the UK average but showing localized fluctuations. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 27 crimes per day, a figure that reflects the usual seasonal rhythm of a coastal town during the festive period. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 141 residents, a monthly exposure rate that contextualizes the scale of incidents relative to Dover's population of 119,768. While this figure is consistent with broader UK patterns, the slight increase in violent crime and anti-social behaviour suggests that community-focused initiatives may need renewed emphasis during peak holiday periods. The population-scaled perspective also highlights that Dover remains a relatively safe area, with crime rates remaining well below the levels seen in major urban centres.