Gillingham (Medway) Crime Rate October 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Gillingham (Medway) recorded 7.9 crimes per 1,000 residents in October 2025, placing it 2.6% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This rate reflects a combination of local dynamics, with violent crime accounting for 33.6% of all incidents and property crime at 36.3%, creating a near-equal split between the two categories. The balance between property and violent crime marks a shift from earlier months, with violent crime now slightly outnumbering property crime for the first time this year. This pattern may be consistent with seasonal factors, as October brings darker evenings and Halloween-related activity, which historically correlate with increased public order incidents. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category (301 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (145 cases), though both categories showed notable deviations from national trends. Violence and sexual offences in Gillingham were 2% below the UK average, while anti-social behaviour was 3% above. The data also highlights stark regional contrasts: criminal damage and arson rates were 61% higher than the UK average, while burglary rates were 33% lower. These discrepancies may reflect local characteristics, such as the area's mix of urban and industrial zones, which could contribute to higher vandalism rates but lower residential burglary figures. The month-on-month comparison shows a 3.3% decrease from September's 8.1 per 1,000 rate, suggesting some stabilisation in overall crime trends despite the violent crime surge. However, the seasonal context of October—shorter days, colder weather, and community events—adds complexity to interpreting these figures. While the overall rate is marginally above the UK average, the specific distribution of crime types suggests unique local challenges that warrant further analysis.

October 2025 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with theft from the person rising by 150% (2 to 5 cases) and robbery increasing by 62.5% (8 to 13 cases). These sharp increases, though small in absolute terms, may signal emerging patterns in targeted theft, possibly linked to Halloween activities or increased foot traffic in local areas. Conversely, violence and sexual offences decreased by 15%, from 354 to 301 cases—a drop that could reflect successful community policing efforts or seasonal migration patterns. The data also reveals stark UK comparisons: criminal damage and arson in Gillingham were 61% above the national average, a figure that may be consistent with the area's industrial infrastructure and potential for vandalism. Anti-social behaviour, at 145 cases, was 3% above the UK average, linked to the area's built-up environment and community dynamics. Burglary rates were 33% below the UK average, which could indicate effective security measures in residential areas or a lower density of high-value properties. For residents, the most immediate insight is the 61% spike in criminal damage and arson compared to the UK average—this suggests a need for targeted interventions in areas prone to vandalism, particularly during the darker evenings of October. The month-on-month volatility in specific categories also highlights the importance of real-time data monitoring to address emerging trends before they escalate.

The crime rate in Gillingham (Medway) for October 2025 (7.9 per 1,000) represents a 3.3% decrease from September's 8.1 per 1,000, indicating a slight downward trend in overall crime. This decline, though modest, may be attributed to seasonal factors such as shorter days reducing outdoor activity or the conclusion of local events that typically see higher crime rates. On a daily basis, Gillingham experienced approximately 29 crimes per day in October, a figure that places the area within a typical range for built-up urban centres. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 127 residents—a monthly exposure rate that suggests a moderate level of risk relative to the population. When compared to the UK average, Gillingham's overall rate is only marginally higher (2.6%), but the distribution of crime types reveals more pronounced differences. For example, while burglary rates were 33% below the UK average, criminal damage and arson were 61% above, highlighting the need for targeted local strategies. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that the 897 total crimes in October equate to a rate of 7.9 per 1,000, which is slightly higher than the national average but not dramatically so. This suggests that while Gillingham is not an outlier in overall crime levels, its specific challenges—such as the elevated rates of vandalism and anti-social behaviour—require tailored approaches. The daily crime figure of 29 per day, combined with the 1-in-127 resident monthly exposure rate, provides residents with a tangible understanding of their risk profile, enabling them to make informed decisions about safety measures and community engagement.