Gillingham (Medway) Crime Rate January 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Gillingham (Medway) recorded a crime rate of 8.2 per 1,000 residents in January 2025, placing it 15.5% above the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This figure reflects a combination of factors, including the built-up nature of the area and the seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period marked by reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (380 incidents, 40.5% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (95 incidents) and criminal damage and arson (89 incidents). These patterns align with the characteristics of an urban centre where high-density living and public spaces may contribute to higher rates of interpersonal and property crime. The surge in violent crime, particularly in violence and sexual offences, which are 31% above the UK average, may be influenced by the area’s proximity to transport hubs and the transient nature of some populations. Seasonal factors, such as the post-holiday lull in retail activity, may also play a role in shaping crime dynamics, though the persistence of violent crime suggests deeper, more systemic issues. The UK average for anti-social behaviour is 1.0 per 1,000, yet Gillingham’s rate of 0.8 per 1,000 indicates a relatively lower incidence of this category, reflecting local efforts to mitigate disturbances. However, the sharp rise in drug-related offences—54% above the UK average—raises concerns about the availability of illicit substances and the potential link to other crimes, such as possession of weapons. These trends underscore the need for targeted policing strategies and community engagement to address the specific challenges faced by this urban area.

January 2025 marked a sharp rise in possession of weapons, with reported cases surging by 114.3% from 7 to 15. This increase, coupled with a 104.8% rise in drug-related offences (from 21 to 43), indicates a troubling shift in criminal activity. Meanwhile, bicycle theft climbed by 75.0%, from 4 to 7, potentially linked to the post-holiday period and reduced retail footfall. These spikes contrast with declines in shoplifting (-16.0%) and vehicle crime (-11.1%), which may reflect seasonal changes in consumer behaviour and outdoor activity. Violence and sexual offences—accounting for 40.5% of all crimes—remained 31% above the UK average, a figure that highlights the area’s ongoing challenges with violent crime. The UK average for drug-related offences was 0.3 per 1,000, yet Gillingham’s rate of 0.4 per 1,000 suggests a localised issue that may require targeted interventions.

Gillingham (Medway) recorded a crime rate of 8.2 per 1,000 residents in January 2025, a marginal 1.1% increase from the previous month’s rate of 8.1. This stability suggests no significant shift in overall crime trends. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 30 crimes per day—a figure that, while consistent with recent months, underscores the persistent presence of criminal activity in a built-up urban environment. When scaled to the population of 114,340 residents, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 122 residents. This ratio highlights the frequency of incidents in a densely populated area, where public spaces and high-traffic zones may amplify the visibility of crime. While the rate remains stable compared to December, the distribution of crime types—particularly the surge in violent and drug-related offences—suggests deeper shifts in criminal activity that warrant closer attention from residents and local authorities.