Gillingham (Medway) Crime Rate

Gillingham (Medway) presents a typical urban safety profile with an overall crime rate of 102.5 per 1,000 residents. This is higher than the UK average of 91.7, but the area maintains a safety score of 76/100, which is close to the national benchmark of 79. The crime trend in Gillingham is currently stable, showing a marginal increase of 1.7% over the last year. This suggests that while the area experiences higher levels of activity than more rural parts of Kent, the situation is not rapidly changing. The following data provides a detailed breakdown of criminal activity in Gillingham, highlighting the most common offences and the times they occur, offering residents a clear view of their local safety environment.

In Gillingham, the crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which make up 38.5% of all reported incidents, or 39.4 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 15.8%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 9.3%. These three categories represent the majority of local concerns, reflecting the challenges typical of a high-density urban environment.

Property-related crime in Gillingham—including burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and shoplifting—occurs at a rate of 33.8 per 1,000 people. This is slightly higher than the UK average of 32.3. Shoplifting is particularly prevalent, accounting for 7.3% of all crimes, which highlights the impact of the area's commercial and retail activity. Vehicle crime (4.8%) and burglary (2.5%) also contribute to the property crime landscape. For residents, this data suggests that while the safety score of 76/100 is respectable, there is a consistent risk of opportunistic theft and damage. Homeowners and vehicle owners should be particularly mindful of security, as the combination of high-density housing and significant commercial traffic can attract criminal activity. Protecting property against these common threats is a key factor in maintaining the overall safety of the neighbourhood.

The crime trend in Gillingham is currently stable, with a minor increase of 1.7% in total offences year-over-year. Analysis of the monthly data from Dec 2024 to Nov 2025 shows a relatively consistent rate of criminal activity throughout the year. The highest crime rates were recorded in July and August 2025, both reaching 9.6 per 1,000 residents, while the lowest rate was seen in February 2025 at 7.6. This stability is a positive indicator for the community, suggesting that despite the area's higher-than-average crime rate, the situation is not escalating. For residents, this means that the risks remain predictable, allowing for a consistent approach to personal and home security. The slight seasonal peak in the summer months is common in urban areas and should be a period of increased awareness for the local population.

How To Keep Safe in Gillingham

The most prevalent crime in Gillingham is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 38.5% of all reported incidents. In a busy urban environment, staying safe involves a combination of personal awareness and proactive measures. To enhance your safety in Gillingham, consider the following localized tips:

1. When walking through the town centre or near the railway station, especially after dark, stay in well-lit areas and keep your mobile phone and valuables out of sight to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
2. If you are a regular shopper or business owner, be aware of the high shoplifting rate in the area. Reporting suspicious behaviour in retail zones can help reduce the overall level of opportunistic crime.
3. Secure your vehicle, even for short periods. With vehicle crime accounting for 4.8% of local incidents, using a steering lock and ensuring no bags or electronics are visible can significantly reduce your risk.
4. Join local community safety groups or social media pages that share real-time updates on anti-social behaviour. Staying informed about local issues allows you to adjust your routines and stay alert.
5. Ensure your home's entry points are reinforced. Installing motion-activated security lights and ensuring all window locks are functional can deter opportunistic burglars who target properties that appear vulnerable.

Crime in Gillingham follows a distinct temporal pattern, with the afternoon (12pm - 6pm) being the most active period for theft-related offences, which make up 47% of crimes during these hours. This likely reflects the high volume of commercial and retail activity in the town centre. In contrast, the night-time hours (12am - 6am) see a significant shift in the nature of crime. During this period, vehicle crime is the most prominent property-related offence, accounting for 38% of incidents. Burglary also remains a concern at 13% of night-time activity. The evening period (6pm - 12am) is dominated by 'other' crime types, which constitute 57% of reports. These patterns suggest that while daytime crime is driven by retail and opportunistic theft, nighttime crime is more focused on vehicles and residential properties. Residents should be especially vigilant about vehicle security overnight and property protection during both the afternoon and late-night periods.

In the context of the Medway region, Gillingham's crime rate of 102.5 per 1,000 is notably lower than that of its neighbour Chatham, which stands at 123.8. However, it is significantly higher than the surrounding rural areas such as Bredhurst, Ham Green, and Hartlip, all of which reported a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 during the same period. This comparison illustrates the clear divide between the high-activity urban centres of Medway and the tranquil, low-crime villages that border them. For those living in Gillingham, the area offers the convenience of urban living with a slightly better safety profile than Chatham, though it remains a much busier environment than the outlying rural settlements.

In an urban setting like Gillingham, where the property crime rate of 33.8 per 1,000 is above the national average, the limitations of traditional security systems are often exposed. Standard CCTV and doorbell cameras are reactive; they record a crime as it happens, which is frequently too late to prevent loss or damage. For Gillingham residents, proactive protection is a more effective strategy for securing homes and vehicles.

The scOS AI-powered operating system provides this proactive edge. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property in real-time, scOS can identify unauthorised individuals at your boundary before they attempt a break-in. It distinguishes between delivery drivers, family members, and potential threats, only alerting you to genuine risks. If a threat is detected, scOS can trigger autonomous responses like activating lights and speakers to deter the intruder immediately. In Gillingham, where vehicle crime and shoplifting are prevalent, scOS offers professional-grade security that actively prevents crime, making your property a much harder target and providing peace of mind that reactive systems cannot match.