Gillingham (Medway) Crime Rate

Gillingham (Medway) is a significant urban settlement within the Medway local authority, reporting an overall crime rate of 102.0 per 1,000 people. This figure is higher than the UK average of 91.6, contributing to a safety score of 76/100. While the crime rate is elevated, the safety score remains respectable for an area of its size, though it sits slightly below the national average of 79. The recent crime trend is described as stable, with a marginal 0.6% increase year-over-year. Property crime is a notable factor, with a rate of 33.5 per 1,000, which is just above the national average of 32.2. The following analysis explores the detailed crime patterns and time-based insights for Gillingham from January 2025 to December 2025.

Crime Breakdown in Gillingham (Medway)

In Gillingham, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes, accounting for 38.1% of all incidents with 4,446 reports. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 16.2% and criminal damage and arson at 9.4%. These three categories represent the primary safety concerns for the local community.

Property crime is a significant issue in Gillingham, with an overall rate of 33.5 per 1,000 people, which is slightly higher than the UK average of 32.2. This includes shoplifting (6.9%), other theft (6.8%), and vehicle crime (4.5%). Burglary accounts for 2.5% of the total, with 288 incidents reported over the year. For residents, the data suggests that while violent crime is the highest in volume, property-related offences—especially opportunistic theft and vehicle crime—are persistent. Homeowners should be particularly mindful of vehicle security and general property protection, as the combined property crime rate indicates that Gillingham is slightly more prone to these offences than the national average.

Crime Trends in Gillingham (Medway)

The crime trend in Gillingham is currently classified as stable, showing a very minor year-over-year increase of 0.6%. This indicates that the safety environment in the town has remained consistent over the last 12 months. Monthly data from 2025 shows that the year began with a crime rate of 8.2 per 1,000 in January, followed by a slight dip in February.

Activity picked up during the spring and summer, with a peak occurring in July and August, both recording a rate of 9.6 per 1,000. This increase is typical for urban areas during the warmer months when there is more public activity. Following the summer peak, there was a steady decline through the autumn, with September recording 8.1 and October dropping further to 7.9. The year ended with a rate of 7.6 in December, which is lower than the rate at the start of the year. For residents, this overall stability is reassuring, suggesting that while seasonal fluctuations occur, there is no underlying surge in local crime.

How To Keep Safe in Gillingham (Medway)

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Gillingham, accounting for over 38% of all reports. To stay safe, particularly in the town centre or near the railway station, it is advised to remain aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit, busy pedestrian routes. If you are out late, try to travel with others and use reputable taxi services for your journey home.

Anti-social behaviour is also a significant concern, making up 16.2% of local crime. Residents are encouraged to join local neighbourhood watch schemes and report persistent issues to the police to help them allocate resources effectively. To protect against property crime, which is slightly above the national average, ensure your home and vehicle are always locked, and never leave valuables on display. For those parking on the street, consider using steering locks or additional security. By staying vigilant and taking these practical steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of opportunistic crime in Gillingham's urban environment.

Crime Timing in Gillingham (Medway)

An analysis of crime timing in Gillingham reveals distinct patterns throughout the day. The afternoon period (12pm - 6pm) is the busiest for theft-related offences, which account for 47% of crimes during these hours, likely driven by high footfall in commercial and retail areas. Morning hours (6am - 12pm) also see significant theft activity at 43%.

As the day transitions into the evening (6pm - 12am), there is a notable shift, with "other" crimes—including anti-social behaviour and public order offences—rising to 59% of the total. Night-time (12am - 6am) presents a different risk profile; while overall volume may decrease, vehicle crime spikes significantly, representing 36% of all incidents during these early hours. Burglary risk remains relatively consistent across the afternoon, evening, and night, peaking slightly at 12% during the early morning hours when properties are most likely to be occupied but residents are asleep. Understanding these shifts is crucial for residents to adapt their security habits accordingly.

Gillingham is situated in a busy part of Kent, surrounded by both urban and rural areas. When compared to Chatham, which has a much higher crime rate of 125.4 per 1,000, Gillingham appears as a safer urban alternative. However, it contrasts sharply with small nearby villages like Bredhurst, Ham Green, and Hartlip, which report negligible crime rates in comparison. For those considering the Medway region, Gillingham offers a middle ground—providing the extensive amenities of a large town while maintaining a more moderate crime profile than its closest urban neighbour, Chatham. This makes it a popular choice for those who want urban convenience with a relatively better safety profile.

In Gillingham, where the property crime rate is 33.5 per 1,000, traditional security measures often fall short. Standard CCTV and DIY alarm systems are reactive; they record footage or sound an alert only after an intruder has already attempted a break-in. In a town with over 500 vehicle crimes and nearly 300 burglaries a year, homeowners need a system that prevents crime rather than just documenting it.

scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system designed for proactive protection. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time, identifying potential threats before they reach your door. The system can distinguish between family members and unknown intruders, and it can respond autonomously—activating high-intensity lighting or audio warnings to deter a criminal before they act. This active deterrence is vital for Gillingham residents, as it destroys the element of surprise. By choosing scOS, you are moving from reactive recording to autonomous prevention, ensuring your home is a hard target and significantly reducing the risk of becoming a property crime statistic.