Gravesham Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In September 2023, Gravesham recorded 1,109 crimes across its population of 110,671 residents, translating to a crime rate of 10.0 per 1,000 people—25% higher than the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This figure equates to one reported crime for roughly every 100 residents over the course of the month, a stark reminder of the scale of criminal activity in the area. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 39.6% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (15.5%) and criminal damage and arson (10.3%). These patterns are consistent with Gravesham's character as a mixed urban and suburban district, where high foot traffic in retail and community areas may contribute to both property and violent crime. The seasonal context of September—marked by the return of students to schools and universities, and the gradual shift towards shorter evenings—likely influences these trends. For instance, the increase in violence and sexual offences could be partly explained by the convergence of younger demographics during the academic year, while anti-social behaviour may decrease as community activities become more structured. Meanwhile, the elevated rates of criminal damage and arson compared to the UK average (67% higher) suggest a need for focused interventions in areas prone to such incidents, such as public spaces or housing estates with limited surveillance. The data also reveals a mixed picture for property crimes, with vehicle crime and bicycle theft rising, while shoplifting fell slightly below the UK average. These variations reflect the interplay between local demographics, infrastructure, and seasonal rhythms, all of which shape the crime profile in Gravesham.

September saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories, with vehicle crime surging by 48.2% compared to August, rising from 56 to 83 incidents. This increase may align with seasonal patterns, such as the return of university students and the associated rise in car usage in the area. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 35.1%, dropping from 265 to 172, potentially reflecting the start of the academic term and reduced nightlife activity. Violence and sexual offences remained high, at 4.0 per 1,000 residents—46% above the UK average—highlighting a persistent challenge for local authorities. Bicycle theft also rose sharply, jumping 83.3% from 6 to 11 cases, linked to increased cycling during the cooler autumn months. These shifts illustrate the dynamic nature of crime in Gravesham, where seasonal transitions and demographic movements play a clear role.

Gravesham's crime rate in September 2023 stood at 10.0 per 1,000 residents, a 4.6% decrease from the previous month's rate of 10.5 per 1,000. This decline suggests a slight reduction in overall criminal activity, though the area remains significantly above the UK average. On a daily basis, the district recorded approximately 37 crimes per day, highlighting the frequency of incidents in a relatively short timeframe. When scaled to the local population of 110,671, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for roughly every 100 residents, a figure that underscores the ongoing presence of crime in everyday life. While the rate has dipped from August, the broader context of Gravesham's crime profile—particularly its elevated levels of violent and property offences—continues to distinguish it from the national average. This comparison reinforces the need for targeted local initiatives to address persistent challenges.