Gillingham (Medway) Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Gillingham (Medway) recorded a crime rate of 7.6 per 1,000 residents in December 2025, placing it 8.6% above the UK average of 7.0. This figure reflects a combination of local factors, including the area’s built-up nature and seasonal dynamics. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 39.8% of all incidents, with rates 17% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 14.5%, while criminal damage and arson surged 73% above the national average, a stark contrast to the 12.8% drop in shoplifting. The month’s context—dark evenings, holiday closures, and Christmas shopping—likely influenced patterns, as seen in the 70% decline in bicycle theft, possibly linked to fewer commuters, and the 64.8% drop in vehicle crime, potentially tied to reduced public transport usage. However, violent crime remained stubbornly high, with 347 incidents reported, consistent with the area’s status as a built-up urban centre where concentrated populations may increase opportunities for interpersonal conflict. Other theft and anti-social behaviour also rose, suggesting a need for targeted interventions in public spaces and community engagement. The data underscores the importance of seasonal considerations in policing strategies, with holiday periods presenting both challenges and opportunities for crime prevention.

December 2025 marked a sharp decline in vehicle crime, falling 64.8% from 54 to 19 incidents, likely influenced by reduced public transport usage during the festive season. Bicycle theft plummeted by 70%, from 20 to 6 cases, possibly linked to holiday closures and fewer commuters. However, other crime increased by 31.8%, rising from 22 to 29 incidents, indicating a shift in criminal focus. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category (39.8% of total crimes), 17% above the UK average, while shoplifting decreased by 41.3% (from 63 to 37), a notable contrast to the UK average where shoplifting rates were higher. Anti-social behaviour also rose, with 126 incidents reported—18% above the national average—highlighting ongoing community tensions in the area.

December 2025 saw a 6.4% decrease in Gillingham’s crime rate compared to November, dropping from 8.2 to 7.6 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns, as darker evenings and holiday closures may reduce opportunities for certain crimes. On average, 28 crimes were reported daily in December, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents in a built-up area with a population of 114,340. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 131 residents—a monthly exposure rate that, while higher than the UK average, reflects local dynamics such as retail activity and community density. The drop in vehicle crime (-64.8%) and bicycle theft (-70%) suggests a possible correlation with reduced public transport use during the festive season. These figures provide a tangible benchmark for residents to assess their risk relative to both national trends and local historical data.