Gillingham Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Gillingham (Medway), 7.4 crimes were reported in February 2026 — a rate 15.6% higher than the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This figure translates to a daily risk of encountering roughly 30 crimes, a statistic that, while not extreme, highlights the need for awareness in a built-up area with a population of 114,340. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (41.5% of total), anti-social behaviour (17.2%), and criminal damage and arson (9.7%). These patterns align with Gillingham’s urban character, where high foot traffic and community interactions may contribute to higher rates of violent and disorderly incidents. The seasonal context of February — a winter month with reduced outdoor activity — may also influence crime trends, shifting focus to indoor spaces and community hubs. While violence and sexual offences remain above the UK average, shoplifting and vehicle crime are lower than national rates, reflecting local retail practices or effective crime prevention measures. The overall crime rate, though elevated, is consistent with other urban areas in the UK, where similar demographic and geographic factors shape criminal activity.

February 2026 saw a 50% increase in bicycle theft, with six reported incidents — a sharp rise from the previous month’s four. This uptick may reflect seasonal shifts, such as increased cycling during colder months when outdoor activities are limited. Conversely, robbery rates fell by 71.4% (from 14 to 4 cases), a drop that could be linked to heightened police patrols or community initiatives. Anti-social behaviour, which constitutes 17.2% of all crimes, remains 43% above the UK average, a persistent challenge in built-up areas where population density may amplify such incidents. Shoplifting rates in Gillingham were 14% below the UK average, due to local retail strategies or effective surveillance in commercial zones. The decline in possession of weapons (40% drop) suggests possible efforts by local authorities to address this issue.

Gillingham’s crime rate in February 2026 (7.4 per 1,000 residents) represents a 10.5% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 8.3 per 1,000, marking a slight improvement in local safety. On a daily basis, this translates to approximately 30 reported crimes each day — a figure that may help residents contextualise the frequency of incidents in their immediate surroundings. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 135 residents, a statistic that, while not alarmingly high, underscores the need for continued vigilance. This monthly exposure rate is consistent with the area’s built-up character, where higher population density and urban infrastructure may naturally correlate with slightly elevated crime rates compared to more rural counterparts. The decline from the prior month aligns with seasonal patterns typical of winter, when reduced outdoor activity and pre-spring lull may contribute to lower visibility of certain crimes, though violent offences remain a persistent concern.