Dover Crime Rate January 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Dover’s crime rate for January 2025 was 7.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 7.0% above the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This figure marks a notable departure from the previous month’s rate of 6.3 per 1,000, with the most significant contributor being the surge in violent crime. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 45.6% of all reported incidents. This is 39% higher than the UK average for this category, which stands at 2.5 per 1,000. The dominance of violent crime in Dover contrasts with broader UK trends, where property-related offences often dominate. The rise in violent crime may be influenced by Dover’s unique characteristics as a coastal town with a mix of urban and semi-rural areas. The post-holiday period in January, combined with shorter daylight hours and reduced retail activity, may have contributed to increased anti-social behaviour and public order offences. However, the sharp increase in violent crime suggests a more complex issue that may require targeted interventions. Anti-social behaviour, while still a concern, decreased by 18% compared to the UK average, indicating that some aspects of the local crime picture remain more stable. This contrast highlights the importance of localized analysis when addressing crime trends. The seasonal context of January, with its shorter days and post-holiday lull, may have influenced patterns of anti-social behaviour and property-related incidents, but the rise in violent crime points to deeper challenges that extend beyond typical seasonal fluctuations.

January 2025 saw a stark increase in possession of weapons, with incidents doubling from 5 to 10—a 100% rise. This surge, though small in absolute terms, signals a troubling shift in local crime dynamics. Public order offences also rose sharply, jumping from 27 to 48 (+77.8%), reflecting heightened tensions in public spaces. Vehicle crime increased by 43.3% (30 to 43), likely tied to seasonal factors such as reduced visibility and colder weather, which may deter outdoor activity but not necessarily reduce vehicle-related crime. Violent crimes accounted for 45.6% of all reported incidents, significantly above the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000 (39% higher). This dominance of violent crime contrasts with declines in theft from the person (-50%) and bicycle theft (-42.9%), which may be attributed to seasonal factors like reduced foot traffic and shorter daylight hours. Residents should remain vigilant, particularly in areas prone to public order disturbances and vehicle crime.

Dover's crime rate for January 2025 stood at 7.6 per 1,000 residents, marking a 20.2% increase from the previous month's 6.3 per 1,000. This rise translates to 29 crimes reported daily across the 31-day period, a figure that underscores the heightened activity compared to the prior month. When viewed through the lens of population, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 132 residents, a ratio that highlights the density of incidents in a relatively compact urban area. While Dover's overall rate remains below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000, the directional shift in crime dynamics is notable. The increase is not uniform across all categories; for example, anti-social behaviour and shoplifting have seen declines, suggesting that the rise is concentrated in specific crime types. This uneven distribution may reflect localized factors, such as the impact of reduced retail activity during January, which could have influenced patterns of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. However, the surge in violent crimes and public order offences indicates a broader challenge that extends beyond typical seasonal fluctuations. Residents should consider the context of these figures as they navigate their daily routines, particularly in areas where vehicle crime and public order offences have seen marked increases.