Gillingham (Medway) Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile in Gillingham (Medway) during September 2024, accounting for 34.9% of all reported crimes. This category, which recorded 314 incidents, was 7% above the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000 residents. The overall crime rate for the area stood at 7.9 per 1,000, 2.6% higher than the UK average of 7.7. Anti-social behaviour followed closely with 147 incidents (16.3% of total crimes), and Criminal damage and arson (90 incidents) also contributed significantly. These trends are consistent with the area’s character as a built-up part of Medway, where urban density and community dynamics may influence crime patterns. The seasonal context of September—marking the start of the academic year—likely plays a role in the crime mix. For instance, the prevalence of violence and sexual offences could be linked to increased social interactions in public spaces, while the sharp rise in Theft from the person may reflect heightened activity in areas frequented by students. However, the drop in violent crime by 24% compared to August suggests that the return to structured routines, such as school and work, may have had a stabilising effect. The data also reveals that shoplifting, at 0.5 per 1,000, was 26% below the UK average, indicating effective retail security measures or lower foot traffic in certain areas. These findings highlight the need for tailored strategies to address the dominant crime types while leveraging seasonal patterns to mitigate risks.

September 2024 saw notable shifts in crime trends, with Theft from the person rising by 37.5% (from 8 to 11 incidents), a spike that may reflect increased foot traffic in local areas during the back-to-school period. Conversely, Bicycle theft plummeted by 69.2% (from 13 to 4), potentially linked to the start of the academic term and the securing of bikes in school zones. Violent crimes, the most prevalent category, decreased by 24%, marking a significant drop from 413 to 314 incidents. This decline is 7% above the UK average for violence and sexual offences, which stood at 2.6 per 1,000. Meanwhile, Anti-social behaviour remained 11% above the UK average, with 147 incidents reported. The contrast between categories—such as the 67% increase in drugs-related crimes compared to the UK average—illustrates a complex mix of local challenges. For residents, the sharp rise in Theft from the person underscores the need for vigilance in high-traffic areas.

The crime rate in Gillingham (Medway) for September 2024 dropped by 15.1% compared to the previous month, falling from 9.3 to 7.9 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with typical seasonal patterns in the area, where summer activities wane and school terms begin, potentially reducing opportunities for certain types of crime. Locally, the average daily crime count was 30 incidents, equating to roughly one reported crime for every 127 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure provides context for residents, highlighting that while crime remains a concern, the rate is not extreme compared to the area’s population. The shift from August to September also reflects broader demographic rhythms, such as the return of students to educational institutions, which may contribute to changes in crime patterns. The drop in violent crimes by 24% suggests a possible correlation with the start of the academic year.