Gillingham (Medway) Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Gillingham (Medway), 7.8 crimes were recorded in February 2024 — 9.9% above the UK average of 7.1. This translates to a daily risk of encountering a crime in one of every 128 households over the course of the month. The crime profile reflects a mix of urban challenges, with violence and sexual offences (401 incidents) dominating at 44.9% of all reported crimes. Anti-social behaviour (93 cases) and criminal damage and arson (89 cases) follow closely, suggesting patterns tied to community tensions or property-related disputes. Seasonal factors may partly explain the figures, as February’s low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull could influence both crime types and reporting rates. While property crimes (292 incidents) remain a concern, violent crimes now account for a larger share than usual, linked to indoor gatherings or increased domestic tensions during colder months. The area’s built-up nature, with a mix of residential and commercial zones, likely contributes to the higher-than-average rates for violent offences and criminal damage. Residents may perceive a heightened sense of risk, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or limited community engagement. Comparisons to the UK average highlight that Gillingham’s crime profile is shaped by local dynamics, with some categories — like violence — significantly exceeding national norms. These patterns should be contextualised within the area’s specific geography and demographics, rather than generalised assumptions about urban or rural factors.

February 2024 saw sharp increases in specific crime types, with theft from the person rising by 100% (3 to 6 incidents) — a spike that could reflect targeted opportunities in crowded spaces or heightened awareness leading to more reporting. Bicycle theft also surged by 62.5% (8 to 13 cases), possibly linked to seasonal changes in cycling patterns or increased thefts from unsecured vehicles. Conversely, burglary and robbery both declined, with burglary falling 25% (24 to 18) and robbery dropping 22.2% (9 to 7). These decreases may align with reduced outdoor activity during winter. The area’s violent crime rate is 40% above the UK average, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 3.5 per 1,000 residents — a figure that could concern local residents and highlight the need for targeted policing. Anti-social behaviour, meanwhile, is 24% below the UK average, suggesting more effective community engagement or enforcement in this category. The mix of crimes also reveals a stark contrast: while property-related crimes (292 incidents) remain a consistent concern, violent offences now dominate the breakdown, shifting the perceived risk profile for residents. These shifts underscore the importance of understanding local crime drivers, such as the interplay between seasonal activity and crime hotspots.

February’s crime rate of 7.8 per 1,000 residents marks a 4.2% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 8.2, indicating a slight improvement in overall safety. On a daily basis, Gillingham (Medway) experienced an average of 31 crimes per day — a figure that, while not immediately intuitive, provides context for residents to assess their personal risk. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 128 residents, a monthly exposure rate that may feel more tangible when considered alongside local population density and community size. This figure contrasts with the UK average, though direct comparisons are limited to the overall rate provided. The population context is critical: with 114,340 residents, the absolute number of crimes (893) reflects both the scale of the area and its crime profile. While the rate is higher than the UK average, the localised nature of crime — such as the 40% above-average violent crime rate — suggests that specific neighbourhoods or community dynamics may be influencing trends. These comparisons highlight the need for targeted interventions rather than broad generalisations, ensuring that resources align with the most pressing local challenges.