Gillingham (Medway) Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Gillingham (Medway) recorded a crime rate of 10.1 per 1,000 residents in August 2023, placing it 24.7% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This figure reflects a persistent challenge for the built-up area within Medway, where crime has consistently outpaced national trends. The most significant contributors to the overall rate were violence and sexual offences (38.2% of all crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (17.6%) and criminal damage and arson (8.4%). These patterns align with the area’s mix of residential and commercial zones, where high foot traffic and seasonal fluctuations in population may compound pressures. August, a peak holiday month, saw increased tourism and the presence of empty homes, factors that could contribute to higher burglary risks, though burglary itself remained relatively low at 0.3 per 1,000. The dominance of violent crime highlights the need for targeted interventions in areas with concentrated nightlife or retail activity, where public order and anti-social behaviour also spiked. While property crime accounted for 30.3% of total offences (350 incidents), the violent crime share (38.2%) suggests a shift in the crime profile compared to other months, influenced by warmer evenings extending social activity into later hours. The area’s proximity to major transport links and its role as a commuter hub may also play a role in shaping these trends, though further analysis would be required to confirm such connections.

The most dramatic month-on-month change occurred in 'Other crime', which rose 76% from 25 to 44 incidents. This category, which includes unclassified offences, saw a sharp increase that outpaced all other categories. Concurrently, bicycle theft fell 77.8% from 9 to 2 incidents, likely reflecting the end of the summer cycling season and reduced outdoor activity. Robbery also dropped 71.4% from 7 to 2 cases, though this decrease may be partly attributable to a small base figure. Violent crime remained high, with violence and sexual offences at 3.9 per 1,000 — 48% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour (1.8 per 1,000) and criminal damage (0.9 per 1,000) also exceeded national rates by 25% and 43% respectively. Vehicle crime (0.3 per 1,000) was 39% below the UK average, suggesting that car-related offences may be less prevalent in this area compared to the national picture. For residents, the 76% surge in 'Other crime' is a critical data point to monitor, as it may indicate emerging patterns or underreported issues that require further investigation.

The crime rate in August 2023 (10.1 per 1,000) marked a 2.0% increase from the previous month’s rate of 9.9 per 1,000, reflecting a slight upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 37 crimes per day — a figure that, while localised to Gillingham (Medway), provides context for residents assessing their personal risk. Over the course of the month, 1 crime occurred for roughly every 99 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the frequency of incidents within the population. This statistic is particularly relevant for parents, property owners, and local businesses seeking to understand their vulnerability. While the overall rate remains elevated compared to the UK average, the contrast with certain categories is striking: vehicle crime and burglary, for instance, were below national levels by 39% and 12% respectively. This divergence may be attributed to Gillingham’s specific infrastructure, such as lower vehicle density or more secure housing stock. However, the sharp rise in 'Other crime' and the persistent above-average rates for violence and anti-social behaviour suggest that targeted community engagement and policing strategies may be necessary to address these gaps.