Dover Crime Rate March 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 119,768, Dover's March 2025 crime rate of 7.6 per 1,000 corresponds to 909 total crimes, a figure that, while 2.6% below the UK average of 7.8, reflects the area's combination of urban and coastal dynamics. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime picture, accounting for 41.7% of all incidents, a share significantly higher than the UK average for this category. This dominance may be attributed to Dover's role as a major port and tourist hub, where transient populations and high foot traffic in the town centre likely contribute to the prevalence of violent crime. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, comprising 16.6% of total crimes, a rate 4% above the UK average, potentially linked to the area's seasonal influx of visitors during the spring transition. Criminal damage and arson also stood out, at 11% of all crimes—40% above the UK average—driven by the weather patterns and outdoor activities typical of coastal regions in early spring. The data shows a marked contrast between property and violent crime trends, with property crimes making up 29% of the total (262 incidents) compared to 41.7% for violent crimes, a shift that may be explained by the area's seasonal rhythms and the timing of local events.

March 2025 saw a stark increase in burglary, with cases doubling from 13 to 26—a 100% rise—suggesting heightened vulnerability in residential areas during the spring transition. Anti-social behaviour also surged by 71.6%, climbing to 151 incidents, a figure that exceeds the UK average by 4% and may reflect the impact of extended evenings and seasonal events. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped 60% to 18 incidents, likely due to reduced car usage during the lockdown period in early March. Shoplifting fell by 31.3% to 55 cases, 26% below the UK average, possibly linked to a quieter retail sector during the month. Violence and sexual offences remained high, 17% above the UK average, a pattern consistent with Dover's coastal demographics and the influence of transient populations.

Dover's crime rate in March 2025 rose 17.7% from the previous month's 6.5 per 1,000 to 7.6 per 1,000, marking the highest monthly rate since early 2024. With 909 crimes reported over 31 days, this translates to an average of 29 crimes per day—a figure that, while stable, reflects the area's persistent challenge with violent and anti-social incidents. Over the course of March, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 132 residents, a rate consistent with Dover's historical exposure to public order challenges. This monthly exposure is higher than the UK average when scaled to Dover's population. below the national average. The population context reveals that Dover's 120,000 residents face a crime environment shaped by its coastal location and seasonal visitor influx, which may partly explain the fluctuation in anti-social behaviour and property crime rates.