Gravesend Crime Rate

Gravesend has an overall crime rate of 117.3 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the UK average of 93.1. The area holds a safety score of 73/100, which is slightly below the national benchmark of 78/100. Encouragingly, the crime trend is currently decreasing, with a 13.6% reduction year-over-year. For a population of approximately 58,464, these figures indicate a busy urban settlement with significant social and commercial activity. The town's role as a major transport hub and its riverside location contribute to its specific crime profile. Understanding these statistics is essential for residents to take effective precautions and safeguard their property in this active town.

Gravesend Crime Analysis

In Gravesend, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 36.5% of all reports, at a rate of 42.9 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue (18.8%), followed by criminal damage and arson at 8.7%. These figures suggest that interpersonal incidents and social order offences are the primary safety concerns in this urban settlement.

Property crime is a major concern for the local community, with an overall rate of 36.6 per 1,000 people. This includes other theft (7.9%), vehicle crime (4.9%), burglary (3.0%), and shoplifting (4.5%). The property crime rate is higher than the UK average, indicating that residential and commercial assets face a significant risk from opportunistic theft. With 205 burglaries and 334 vehicle crimes reported last year, residents should take home and vehicle security seriously. The combination of theft and criminal damage indicates a need for proactive monitoring to deter criminals before they can target properties in this busy town.

Gravesend Crime Trends

The crime trend in Gravesend is currently decreasing, with a 13.6% reduction in total reported offences over the last year. This downward trajectory is a positive sign for the town's safety and suggests that local policing and community safety measures are having a tangible impact.

Monthly data shows some fluctuations throughout the year. Crime rates peaked in August 2025 at 10.8 per 1,000 people, with another high point in July at 10.7 and November 2024 at 10.6. The lowest rate was recorded in October 2025 at 8.4. These variations suggest that crime levels are higher during the summer and late autumn months, a common pattern in many urban settlements. For Gravesend residents, this decreasing trend is encouraging, though the seasonal peaks highlight the importance of remaining vigilant and maintaining robust security measures throughout the year.

How To Keep Safe in Gravesend

The most prevalent crime type in Gravesend is violence and sexual offences. Maintaining personal safety in this urban settlement requires awareness, especially in busy commercial areas and near transport hubs.

1. When using Gravesend station or walking in the town centre at night, stay in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings.
2. Given the high rate of theft and criminal damage, be extra mindful of your belongings in busy retail areas and markets.
3. Ensure your car is always locked and valuables are out of sight to reduce the risk of vehicle crime, which peaks during the night.
4. Report any anti-social behaviour to the local authorities; consistent reporting helps the police manage public spaces more effectively.
5. If you are walking alone, avoid using headphones or being distracted by your phone, so you can remain fully aware of who is around you.
6. Consider installing a proactive security system at your home to deter opportunistic intruders and protect your property.

Gravesend Crime Time Patterns

Analysis of crime timing in Gravesend reveals significant variations throughout the day. The afternoon period (12pm - 6pm) is a peak time for theft-related offences, which account for 53% of all crimes reported during these hours. This likely correlates with high volumes of shoppers and commercial activity. In contrast, the night-time hours (12am - 6am) see a shift toward vehicle crime, which makes up 39% of all reported incidents during this period.

Evening hours (6pm - 12am) are characterised by a high percentage of 'Other' offences (52%), which often includes anti-social behaviour and public order issues. Burglary remains a consistent threat across all time periods, peaking at 14% of reports during the night. For residents, these patterns suggest that while daytime vigilance is needed for personal theft, the security of vehicles and the home perimeter is most critical during the overnight and evening periods. Proactive monitoring during these peak times is essential for effective deterrence.

Gravesend is a primary urban centre within the Gravesham area. Compared to its neighbours, Gravesend's crime rate of 117.3 is higher than Northfleet (106.1) and significantly higher than the more rural Istead Rise (40.9). However, it is lower than the nearby Tilbury (140.0). Nearby Cobham reports a rate of 0.0, highlighting the typical difference between urban and rural crime profiles. Gravesend's safety score of 73/100 confirms it as a generally secure location, despite its higher crime density compared to the immediate surrounding countryside.

Proactive Security in Gravesend

Gravesend's property crime rate of 36.6 per 1,000 residents is a significant statistic that highlights the risk of opportunistic theft and burglary. Traditional security systems, such as recording-only CCTV or basic alarms, are reactive; they provide evidence after a crime has occurred but do little to prevent it. In a town with high theft and criminal damage rates, stopping an incident before it starts is the most effective way to protect your property.

scOS offers a proactive solution by using AI to monitor property boundaries in real-time. It doesn't just record; it identifies threats. The system's multi-camera intelligence can distinguish between a delivery driver and someone loitering near your vehicle. When a threat is detected, scOS can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating high-intensity lighting or audible alerts, to deter criminals instantly. For Gravesend residents, this proactive approach is essential for safeguarding homes and cars, moving beyond simple recording to active crime prevention in a busy urban and riverside environment.