Gillingham (Medway) Crime Rate September 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile in Gillingham (Medway) during September 2025, accounting for 38.1% of all reported crimes. This category alone recorded 354 incidents, a rate of 3.1 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 20% above the UK average for this type of crime. The overall crime rate for the area stood at 8.1 per 1,000, a figure that is 9.5% higher than the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000. This disparity suggests a unique local context, potentially influenced by the area's status as a built-up urban centre with a mix of residential and commercial activity. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 16.8% of total crimes, while criminal damage and arson added 8.0% to the tally. These patterns are consistent with the seasonal rhythm of September, a time marked by the return of students to educational institutions and the gradual winding down of summer activities. The presence of a large retail and commercial sector may also contribute to higher rates of anti-social behaviour and property-related crimes. However, the relative stability in shoplifting rates—only 2% below the UK average—indicates that targeted efforts in this area may have mitigated some risks. The dominance of violent crime underscores the need for community-based strategies to address underlying social and economic factors that may contribute to such incidents, ensuring a safer environment for residents.

September 2025 saw a 160% increase in possession of weapons, rising from 5 to 13 incidents, a sharp contrast to the previous month. This spike, while not directly linked to broader patterns, may reflect isolated incidents or heightened awareness. Meanwhile, drug-related offences increased by 12.5%, from 40 to 45, suggesting potential shifts in local drug markets or policing focus. Conversely, burglary decreased by 45.7%, with reported cases falling from 35 to 19, possibly influenced by seasonal factors such as reduced foot traffic or enhanced security measures. Theft from the person plummeted by 71.4%, from 7 to 2, a decline that could be attributed to increased public awareness or targeted policing efforts in high-risk areas. The crime mix shows a clear dominance of violent crime, with violence and sexual offences significantly above the UK average by 20%, highlighting a pressing need for community-focused initiatives to address underlying causes.

Gillingham (Medway) saw a 15.8% decrease in its crime rate from 9.6 per 1,000 in August to 8.1 per 1,000 in September 2025, marking a notable downward trend. This shift aligns with the seasonal context of September, where the transition back to school and university freshers may have influenced local patterns. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 31 crimes per day, a figure that reflects the density of population and activity in a built-up urban centre. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 123 residents, a measure that contextualises the frequency of incidents within the community. This monthly exposure rate, while higher than the UK average in some categories, underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and targeted interventions. The population-scaled perspective highlights that while the rate remains elevated, the absolute number of crimes is manageable relative to the area's size and demographics.