Gillingham (Medway) Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Gillingham (Medway) recorded a crime rate of 8.3 per 1,000 residents in November 2023, placing it 10.7% above the UK average of 7.5. This figure underscores a persistent challenge in the area, where violent crimes dominated the crime profile, accounting for 44.6% of all reported incidents — a rate 43% higher than the national average. The dominance of violent offences, including 424 cases of violence and sexual offences, suggests a focus on addressing public safety concerns, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or community tensions. Seasonal factors may play a role in this pattern, as November's dark evenings and the timing of Bonfire Night could contribute to increased incidents of anti-social behaviour and public disorder. The breakdown of crimes also reveals a stark contrast in categories: while criminal damage and arson (104 cases) and violent offences were significantly above UK averages, anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime were below national levels, reflecting a mixed picture of local crime dynamics. This data aligns with Medway's character as a commuter belt with a mix of urban and suburban areas, where retail and leisure hubs may drive certain types of crime while others are mitigated by community-focused initiatives. The seasonal context of November — with its associated events and reduced daylight — likely interacts with these patterns, though the exact mechanisms require further analysis. The overall rate, while concerning, highlights the need for targeted interventions in high-risk categories while building on areas where local performance exceeds national benchmarks.

November 2023 saw a 36.0% increase in drugs-related crimes, rising from 25 to 34 incidents, a sharp uptick that may reflect seasonal shifts in illicit activity. Conversely, burglary fell by 48.9% compared to the previous month, with cases dropping from 47 to 24 — a decline consistent with improved home security measures or reduced opportunities during colder weather. Anti-social behaviour, which contributed 9.6% of all crimes, was 24% below the UK average, suggesting that local efforts to address nuisance activity may be showing results. Theft from the person also rose by 66.7%, from 3 to 5 cases, a small but notable increase that could be linked to the timing of Black Friday shopping. These fluctuations highlight the combination of local factors and national trends, with some categories deviating significantly from the UK average while others follow expected seasonal patterns.

Gillingham (Medway)'s crime rate in November 2023 dropped by 5.0% compared to the previous month, falling from 8.8 to 8.3 per 1,000 residents. This slight decline aligns with typical seasonal patterns in late autumn, when colder weather and shorter evenings may reduce opportunities for certain types of crime. On a daily basis, the area recorded 32 crimes per day in November, a figure that reflects local dynamics rather than a direct comparison to national averages. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 120 residents, illustrating the monthly exposure rate for the population of 114,340. While this rate remains 10.7% above the UK average, the downward trend from October suggests potential improvements in policing or community initiatives. The population-scaled perspective highlights that, despite the higher-than-average rate, the absolute number of crimes per resident remains manageable, though vigilance is still necessary in high-risk areas.