Gillingham (Medway) Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Gillingham (Medway)'s crime profile in November 2024 was defined by a stark outlier: violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 42.7% of all reported crimes and occurred at a rate of 3.3 per 1,000 residents—28% above the UK average. This category alone outpaced all others in both volume and severity, a pattern consistent with the area's position as a commuter hub where late-night travel and public transport use may contribute to higher exposure to such incidents. The overall crime rate of 7.7 per 1,000 residents placed the area 1.3% above the UK average, a narrow margin that suggests local factors are at play rather than a systemic deviation. Seasonal dynamics likely influenced these figures, with the timing of Bonfire Night and the onset of darker evenings potentially increasing opportunities for violent crimes. Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage also exceeded UK averages by 19% and 23% respectively, though these were offset by lower rates of shoplifting and other theft, which fell 13% and 27% below national benchmarks. The shift in crime mix towards violent offences may reflect broader societal trends, though local conditions such as the proximity to major transport links and the presence of retail centres likely play a role. As November drew to a close, the area's crime profile underscored the need for targeted interventions in high-risk zones while maintaining vigilance against the seasonal fluctuations that shape monthly statistics.

Violence and sexual offences in November 2024 saw a marked divergence from UK averages, with a rate of 3.3 per 1,000 residents—28% higher than the national benchmark. This category alone accounted for 42.7% of all crimes, highlighting a shift in the crime mix towards more violent incidents compared to previous months. Concurrently, robbery rates surged by 100%, jumping from seven to 14 cases, a spike that may be linked to the timing of Black Friday shopping and increased retail activity. In contrast, burglary and other theft decreased by 34.6% and 33.3% respectively, potentially reflecting heightened security measures during the festive season. The rate of drugs-related offences in Gillingham was 54% above the UK average, a figure that contrasts sharply with the 13% below average for shoplifting. These divergent trends illustrate the combination of local factors and broader regional patterns, with some categories aligning closely with national trends while others stand out as anomalies.

Gillingham (Medway)'s crime rate in November 2024 fell by 7.5% compared to the previous month, dropping from 8.4 to 7.7 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns observed in similar areas during late autumn, where reduced foot traffic and cooler weather may temporarily dampen certain types of crime. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 29 crimes per day in November, a figure that reflects the local rhythm of activity but remains consistent with historical trends. When considering the monthly exposure, one reported crime occurred for every 129 residents over the course of the month, a metric that contextualises the scale of crime relative to the population. With a resident population of 114,340, this rate suggests that the majority of residents are unaffected by crime on any given day, though targeted areas may experience higher concentrations of specific offences. The drop from October's rate may also be influenced by the transition into the holiday season, which historically sees reduced incidents of anti-social behaviour and public order offences as community events shift focus.