Gillingham (Medway) Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

May 2025 marked a continuation of elevated crime levels in Gillingham (Medway), with an overall crime rate of 9.3 per 1,000 residents—14.8% above the UK average of 8.1. This urban area, part of the Medway District, saw violence and sexual offences dominate the crime profile, accounting for 38.4% of all incidents. The seasonal context of May—characterised by bank holidays, extended daylight hours, and increased outdoor socialising—likely contributes to patterns observed in violent crimes and anti-social behaviour. The rate of violence and sexual offences in Gillingham (3.6 per 1,000) is 27% higher than the UK average, a disparity that may reflect local factors such as the town’s proximity to transport hubs and the density of its built-up area. Anti-social behaviour, though lower than the UK average by 1%, remains a persistent concern, particularly in areas with high foot traffic. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson rose sharply compared to the UK rate, suggesting potential links to the area’s industrial heritage and the challenges of maintaining public spaces in a densely populated urban environment. These figures underscore the complex relationship between population density, seasonal activity, and crime trends in Gillingham.

May 2025 saw significant month-on-month fluctuations in specific crime categories, with possession of weapons increasing by 125% (from 8 to 18 incidents) and criminal damage and arson rising by 29.7% (from 91 to 118). These spikes contrast with notable decreases in burglary (-34.5%) and other crime (-25%), which may indicate targeted interventions or seasonal shifts in criminal activity. The violent crime category, which constitutes nearly 40% of all reported incidents, remains high compared to the UK average, with a rate of 3.6 per 1,000 residents versus the national figure of 2.8 per 1,000. This disparity is particularly evident in the rise of violence and sexual offences, which may be influenced by the area’s demographics and the social dynamics of its urban core. Residents may find the 34 crimes reported daily (averaged across 31 days) a useful benchmark for understanding local risk, though this figure includes a wide range of offences from minor anti-social behaviour to more serious violent crimes. The sharp increase in possession of weapons—now at 0.2 per 1,000 residents, 150% above the UK average—raises particular concerns, suggesting a possible escalation in weapons-related incidents that could require closer monitoring by local authorities.

Comparing May 2025 to April 2025, Gillingham’s crime rate rose by 6.4% from 8.8 to 9.3 per 1,000 residents, reflecting a modest but measurable increase in overall criminal activity. This upward trend is most pronounced in violent crimes and property-related offences, with the daily crime count averaging 34 incidents per day—a figure that highlights the frequency of reported crimes in a community of 114,340 residents. On a population-scaled basis, the monthly exposure to crime in Gillingham equates to one reported incident for every 107 residents, a statistic that, while not alarmingly high, underscores the need for sustained community engagement and policing efforts. When placed alongside the UK average, Gillingham’s crime profile reveals both strengths and weaknesses: while anti-social behaviour and burglary rates are slightly below the national average, the area’s elevated rates of violence, criminal damage, and weapon possession stand out as areas requiring targeted attention. This contrast with the UK average suggests that local factors—such as the built-up nature of Gillingham and its proximity to major transport links—may play a role in shaping the area’s unique crime profile, even as broader national trends influence overall rates.