Dover Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Dover's crime rate in February 2026 was 6.5 per 1,000 residents, placing it 1.6% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This figure, while slightly elevated, reflects the combination of a coastal town's economic activity and seasonal patterns. The most significant contributors to the local crime profile were violence and sexual offences (39.8% of total crimes), anti-social behaviour (19.4%), and criminal damage and arson (10.1%). These figures are consistent with Dover's character as a major port and tourist destination, where high foot traffic and transient populations may contribute to higher rates of violence and property crime. The winter season, with its low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull, likely influenced the overall crime pattern, though the persistent elevation in anti-social behaviour suggests a need for community-focused interventions. Dover's rate of violence and sexual offences is 12% above the UK average, a disparity that may be partly explained by the town's proximity to the Channel Tunnel and associated cross-border dynamics. Meanwhile, shoplifting, though only 3% above the UK average, saw a 25% increase from the previous month, indicating potential shifts in retail crime patterns during the winter months. The seasonal context of February—as a time of reduced outdoor activity and lower tourist numbers—may have contributed to a temporary stabilisation in some crime categories, though the overall rate remains slightly above national benchmarks. This data underscores the importance of tailoring local crime prevention strategies to Dover's unique economic and geographic profile, ensuring that both transient and permanent residents feel secure.

February saw a 100% increase in bicycle theft, rising from zero to two incidents—a stark anomaly that may reflect seasonal shifts in cycling patterns or targeted theft in the port area. Anti-social behaviour rose by 25%, reaching 150 incidents, a figure significantly above the UK average of 0.9 per 1,000. This increase could be linked to indoor gatherings during colder weather, though no direct causal link is confirmed. Shoplifting also climbed by 25%, with 75 incidents reported, placing Dover 3% above the UK average for this category. Conversely, robbery and burglary both fell sharply, with robbery dropping 63.6% and burglary declining 60%, due to reduced foot traffic during winter. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of crime in a coastal town with seasonal rhythms influencing both victimisation and offender activity.

Dover's crime rate in February 2026 stood at 6.5 per 1,000 residents, a 1.7% decrease from the previous month's 6.6 per 1,000. This slight decline aligns with the seasonal pattern of reduced outdoor activity during winter. above the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 28 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 155 residents, highlighting the frequency of incidents in a population of 119,768. This monthly exposure rate provides a tangible measure of risk, showing that while crime is present, it does not overwhelm the community. The population-scaled perspective underscores that Dover's crime profile, while slightly elevated nationally, is distributed across a large population base, mitigating the impact on any single individual.