Medway Crime Rate

Medway, a significant local authority in Kent, presents a complex safety profile with an overall crime rate of 104.7 per 1,000 residents. This figure is notably higher than the UK average of 91.7, though the area maintains a safety score of 75/100, which is only slightly below the national average of 79. The crime trend in Medway is currently classified as stable, with a modest year-over-year decrease of 2.6%. This indicates that while the volume of crime remains elevated compared to national benchmarks, it is not currently experiencing rapid growth. This data provides a detailed look at the criminal activity within the authority, from the urban centres to the outlying suburbs, helping residents understand the risks and safety measures appropriate for the region.

Medway is a diverse local authority in Kent, characterised by a mix of densely populated urban centres like Chatham and Gillingham, and more historic, residential areas such as Rochester. Its location along the River Medway has historically driven its industrial and maritime identity, particularly with the Chatham Dockyard. Today, the area is a major transport hub with high-speed rail links to London, making it a popular commuter zone. These characteristics contribute to its crime statistics; the high population density in the urban cores and the transient nature of commuters and visitors can influence crime rates. Furthermore, Medway hosts several university campuses and a vibrant nightlife scene, which naturally increases the volume of people in public spaces during evening hours. Economic factors also play a role, with some areas facing regeneration challenges. The combination of industrial heritage, modern commercial activity, and high-density residential housing creates a complex environment that local law enforcement manages within the context of a safety score of 75/100.

In Medway, the most prevalent crime type is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 38.2% of all reports, or 40.0 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 17.6% and criminal damage and arson at 8.8%. These figures indicate that social order and personal safety are the primary areas of concern for the local authority.

Property-related crime in Medway—including burglary, robbery, theft, vehicle crime, and shoplifting—presents a rate of 33.2 per 1,000 people. This is slightly above the UK average of 32.3. Within this category, shoplifting is a significant contributor (7.8%), reflecting the area's large retail sector. Vehicle crime (4.4%) and burglary (2.4%) also feature prominently. For residents and homeowners, this means that while the overall safety score is a respectable 75/100, the risk of property crime is a tangible factor. The relatively high rate of theft and criminal damage suggests that properties, particularly in urban centres, require robust protection. The data underscores the importance of securing vehicles and homes against opportunistic theft, which remains a consistent part of the local criminal landscape.

The crime trend in Medway is currently stable, with a small 2.6% reduction in total offences over the last year. Analysis of the monthly trend data from Dec 2024 to Nov 2025 shows a consistent level of activity throughout the year. The highest crime rates were recorded in May and July 2025, both reaching 9.9 per 1,000 residents. Conversely, the rate was at its lowest in February, November, and September, dipping to 7.8 per 1,000. This pattern suggests that criminal activity in Medway follows a slight seasonal increase during the warmer months, a common trend in urban areas. For residents, this stability is encouraging, as it indicates that crime levels are not escalating. However, the consistently high monthly rates compared to the UK average mean that maintaining a high level of personal and property security remains necessary year-round.

Medway's crime rate of 104.7 per 1,000 people places it as a high-activity hub compared to its immediate neighbours. Nearby areas such as Gravesham, Castle Point, Southend-on-Sea, Basildon, Thurrock, and Rochford all reported crime rates of 0.0 per 1,000 in the same data period. This stark contrast highlights Medway's role as a major urban and commercial centre in North Kent, where higher population density and economic activity naturally lead to higher reported crime volumes. For those comparing areas in the region, Medway offers extensive amenities and transport links but carries a higher statistical risk profile than the surrounding, more residential or rural districts. This context is vital for understanding that Medway's figures reflect its status as a regional focal point.

In a large local authority like Medway, where the property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000 is above the national average, residents must consider the limitations of traditional security. Most standard CCTV systems are reactive; they provide a record of an event after it has happened. In an area with high volumes of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, simply having a recording of the incident often does little to prevent the initial harm or loss.

The scOS AI-powered operating system changes this dynamic by focusing on proactive prevention. By using advanced AI to monitor all cameras simultaneously, scOS identifies potential threats—such as an unrecognised individual loitering at a property boundary—before a crime is committed. Its ability to distinguish between normal routines and suspicious patterns allows it to trigger autonomous responses, like engaging lights or audio warnings, which can stop a criminal in their tracks. For Medway homeowners, this level of professional-grade, intelligent protection offers a significant advantage in deterring opportunistic crime and ensuring that security is a preventative measure rather than just a post-incident record.

How To Keep Safe in Medway

The most common crime in Medway is violence and sexual offences, which constitutes 38.2% of all reported incidents. Given the mixed urban and suburban nature of the district, regional safety advice focuses on both personal awareness and community vigilance. To stay safe across the local authority area, consider the following:

1. When using public transport or walking in urban centres like Chatham or Gillingham at night, stay in well-lit areas and remain aware of your surroundings.
2. Report anti-social behaviour promptly to local authorities. Consistent reporting helps police identify 'hotspots' and allocate patrols more effectively across the district.
3. If you are a business owner or frequent the retail areas, be aware of the high shoplifting rate. Reporting suspicious activity in commercial zones helps protect the local economy and reduces overall crime.
4. Use community safety resources provided by Kent Police and Medway Council, such as signing up for local alert systems that keep you informed of recent incidents in your specific neighbourhood.
5. Ensure your home is clearly visible from the street. Trimming high hedges and installing motion-sensor lighting can reduce the cover available for potential intruders, making your property a harder target.