Gravesham Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Gravesham’s crime profile in May 2025, accounting for 37.7% of all reported incidents at a rate of 3.1 per 1,000 residents—10% above the UK average. This category’s prominence contrasts with the 55% UK average deficit for shoplifting, which fell to 29 incidents (3.2 per 1,000) from 56 in April. The overall crime rate of 8.2 per 1,000 edged 1.2% above the UK’s 8.1, reflecting a combination of seasonal dynamics and local factors. May’s longer evenings and bank holidays likely contributed to increased socialising in public spaces, consistent with the 13% UK average deficit for vehicle crime (32 incidents) and the 33% UK average surplus for anti-social behaviour (179 incidents). The 0.8 per 1,000 rate for criminal damage and arson (33% above UK average) suggests ongoing issues with vandalism, possibly linked to the area’s mix of residential and commercial zones. While property crimes (275 incidents) remained below the violent crime total, the 1.6 per 1,000 rate for anti-social behaviour indicates persistent challenges in managing public spaces. These patterns align with Gravesham’s character as a commuter-focused town with a significant retail presence, where high foot traffic and open spaces may both drive and deter different types of crime.

Bicycle theft in Gravesham saw a 200% increase in May 2025, rising from 1 to 3 incidents—a sharp contrast to the 55% UK average deficit for shoplifting. This surge may partly explain the 3.1 per 1,000 rate for violence and sexual offences, which remains 10% above the UK average. Public order offences also rose by 53.1%, potentially linked to longer evenings and bank holidays in May. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 48.2% to 29 incidents, aligning with the 55% UK average deficit for this category. The 3.5% drop in vehicle crime (from 45 to 32) and 31% UK average deficit for public order offences highlight a mixed picture of seasonal influences. Residents may find the 1-in-121 monthly exposure rate useful for contextualising local safety relative to national trends.

Gravesham's crime rate in May 2025 rose 4.3% from 7.9 to 8.2 per 1,000 residents, marking the highest monthly rate since early 2024. Daily crime activity averaged 29 incidents per day, reflecting a local rhythm of public spaces and transport hubs. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 121 residents—a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents within the area’s population of 110,671. This monthly exposure rate is comparable to other similar-sized urban areas in the southeast, though the distribution of crime types diverges notably. The increase in violent crime and anti-social behaviour, coupled with a drop in shoplifting, suggests shifting patterns in how crime manifests seasonally. For residents, this means heightened awareness in public spaces during evenings, while shopfronts may see reduced theft risks compared to previous months.