Gillingham (Medway) Crime Rate

Gillingham (Medway) recorded a crime rate of 102.1 per 1,000 residents over the past year (February 2025 to January 2026). This figure is 12.0% above the UK average of 91.2 per 1,000, suggesting a slightly elevated risk compared to the national average. While the overall crime rate has remained stable with a 0.6% year-on-year change, certain crime types, particularly violence and sexual offences, are contributing to the area’s profile. Understanding the specific crime landscape is crucial for residents and prospective newcomers alike.

Gillingham (Medway) experiences a notable prevalence of certain crime types. Violence and sexual offences account for the largest portion of reported incidents, with 4,442 crimes recorded, representing 38.9 per 1,000 residents, which is 38.0% of all recorded crime. This figure sits 12.0% above the UK average of 32.2 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour is also a significant concern, with 1,942 incidents reported, equating to 17.0 per 1,000 residents, 16.6% of all reported crime. Criminal damage and arson contribute further to the area's crime profile, with 1,085 incidents recorded at 9.5 per 1,000, representing 9.3% of all recorded crime and 44% above the UK average. Overall, property crime in Gillingham (Medway) stands at 33.2 per 1,000 residents, reflecting the challenges faced by the community.

Crime in Gillingham (Medway) has remained relatively stable, showing a slight increase of 0.6% year-on-year. While February 2025 saw a monthly crime rate of 7.6 per 1,000, this peaked at 9.6 per 1,000 in July 2025 before decreasing again. Despite this overall stability, certain categories like bicycle theft have seen a significant increase, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and community awareness campaigns.

How To Keep Safe in Gillingham (Medway)

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, which account for a significant portion of recorded crimes, it's crucial to prioritize personal safety. Be aware of your surroundings, especially during evening hours when crime tends to peak. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas, and consider travelling with a companion whenever possible. Secure your property with robust locks and consider installing exterior lighting. Finally, report any suspicious activity to the local authorities promptly to help prevent future incidents and contribute to a safer community.

Crime patterns in Gillingham (Medway) demonstrate a varied distribution throughout the day. Burglary incidents are most frequent in the afternoon, while vehicle crime is concentrated during the night hours. A significant spike in violence and anti-social behaviour occurs in the evening, between 6 pm and 12 am. Theft is more prevalent during commercial hours, indicating a link to daytime activity. Understanding these patterns can help residents make informed decisions about their safety and security.

Comparing Gillingham (Medway) to its neighbouring local authority, Chatham, reveals a slightly higher crime rate in Gillingham (Medway) at 102.1 per 1,000 compared to Chatham's 126.2 per 1,000. While Chatham is marginally less safe, both areas face challenges related to crime, highlighting the importance of vigilance and community safety initiatives across the region.

Traditional CCTV systems in Gillingham (Medway) often record incidents after they've occurred, providing footage for investigation but failing to prevent the crime itself. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, offers a proactive approach. Unlike Ring or Nest cameras which simply record, scOS actively detects threats at your property boundary, using multi-camera intelligence and DVLA vehicle verification to identify potential risks before they escalate. The visible presence of scOS acts as a powerful deterrent; many burglars decide to move on within those crucial first 60 seconds, preventing the crime entirely. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively protecting your home with a system like scOS is another.