Dover Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Dover's crime profile in January 2026 revealed concerning trends in specific categories, despite an overall crime rate of 6.6 per 1,000 residents — 2.9% below the UK average. Violence and sexual offences dominated, accounting for 40.9% of all crimes, a figure 8% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed at 15.3%, also 8% above the national benchmark. The most alarming spike was in criminal damage and arson, which occurred at a rate 67% higher than the UK average. This pattern may partly explain the sharp rise in reported incidents, as the post-holiday period typically sees increased property-related disputes and public order issues. Seasonal factors likely contributed to these trends, with shorter days and reduced retail footfall potentially exacerbating tensions in public spaces. While property crimes remained lower than the UK average — shoplifting, for example, was 12% below the national rate — the surge in violent offences highlights a need for heightened awareness. The breakdown of crime types suggests a shift in the balance between property and violent crimes, with the latter now representing over two-thirds of all incidents. This contrasts with previous months, where property crimes were more prominent, and may reflect changes in community dynamics or seasonal pressures. The data underscores the importance of monitoring specific categories, particularly violence and anti-social behaviour, which both exceeded national averages by significant margins. As Dover transitions into the new year, the focus should remain on addressing these emerging patterns through targeted interventions and community engagement.

January 2026 saw stark increases in several crime categories, with theft from the person rising by 200% — from one incident to three. This dramatic jump, though still low in absolute terms, signals a potential shift in criminal activity patterns. Robbery also surged by 175%, rising from four to 11 incidents, a figure that may reflect heightened risk-taking behaviour during the post-holiday period. Other crime increased by 59.1%, with 35 incidents reported compared to 22 in December 2025, indicating a broader uptick in unclassified criminal activity. These increases occurred despite a 7.5% overall decline in the crime rate compared to December 2025, suggesting a reallocation of criminal focus rather than a general rise in crime. Property crimes, by contrast, showed marked decreases: vehicle crime fell by 64.6% (from 48 to 17 incidents), likely due to reduced outdoor activity during colder weather, and burglary dropped by 50% (from 20 to 10 incidents), possibly linked to increased household security measures. However, the rise in violence and sexual offences — which occurred at a rate 8% above the UK average — remains a critical concern. The combination of these trends highlights a combination of seasonal factors and underlying social dynamics, with public spaces appearing particularly vulnerable to escalation in violent incidents. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, particularly in areas frequented by transient populations or during late evening hours.

Dover's crime rate in January 2026 stood at 6.6 per 1,000 residents, a 7.5% decrease from the previous month's rate of 7.1 per 1,000. This decline, while welcome, must be contextualised within the broader picture of daily crime exposure. Over the 31 days of January, 25 crimes were reported each day on average — a figure that, while lower than the previous month, still represents a significant presence in the local community. On a monthly basis, one crime was reported for every 152 residents, a ratio that underscores the need for continued vigilance. This exposure rate is lower than the UK average, which typically sees one crime for every 145 residents, but the distribution of crime types within Dover presents unique challenges. While property crimes remain below national levels — shoplifting, for instance, was 12% below the UK average — the sharp rise in violent offences has created a distinct local profile. The population context further highlights the importance of these figures: with 119,768 residents, even small absolute changes in crime rates can have significant community impacts. The contrast between Dover's overall crime rate and the specific spikes in violent crime illustrates the complexity of local crime patterns. While the area benefits from a lower overall rate than the UK, targeted attention to rising categories such as violence and anti-social behaviour is essential. Residents should be aware that, although the monthly aggregate suggests a decline, the nature of crime has shifted in ways that may require different community responses.