Gillingham Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Gillingham's crime rate in January 2026 reached 8.3 per 1,000, placing it 22.1% above the UK average of 6.8. This figure marks a significant deviation from the national trend, with violent crimes dominating the landscape at 376 incidents — 39.7% of total crimes. Violence and sexual offences, at 3.3 per 1,000, were 32% above the UK average, while anti-social behaviour (1.3 per 1,000) and criminal damage (0.7 per 1,000) also exceeded national benchmarks. The seasonal context of January — a post-holiday period with shorter days and reduced retail footfall — may have contributed to the shift in crime patterns, though the surge in vehicle crime and robbery suggests other factors at play. The area's built-up nature, with a mix of residential and commercial zones, likely creates environments where both property and violent crimes can thrive. The UK average for shoplifting (0.6 per 1,000) was slightly exceeded by Gillingham's rate (0.6 per 1,000), indicating that retail-focused crimes remain a persistent issue. This data highlights the need for targeted policing strategies in high-risk areas, particularly those with significant vehicle traffic and late-night activity. The disparity between Gillingham's rates and the UK average underscores the importance of localized crime prevention measures, as national trends may not fully capture the complexities of this specific area.

January 2026 saw alarming spikes in specific crime categories, with vehicle crime jumping 131.6% to 44 incidents — a stark contrast to the 19 reported in December. This increase, coupled with a 75% rise in robbery cases (from 8 to 14), indicates a shift in criminal focus toward mobile assets and high-value targets. Meanwhile, shoplifting surged by 70.3% (37 to 63), likely driven by post-holiday retail activity and reduced staffing in stores. Anti-social behaviour remained 40% above the UK average at 1.3 per 1,000, a figure that suggests ongoing challenges in managing public spaces. Violent crimes (376 incidents) accounted for 39.7% of total crimes, significantly outpacing the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000. Residents should be particularly vigilant in areas with high foot traffic and during late-night hours. The decline in bicycle theft (-33.3%) and theft from the person (-33.3%) offers a glimmer of hope, though these reductions may be temporary as seasonal factors shift.

Gillingham's crime rate in January 2026 rose 8.7% compared to December 2025, reflecting a shift in criminal activity patterns. With 948 crimes reported over 31 days, the area experienced an average of 31 crimes per day — a figure that underscores the need for heightened vigilance in public spaces. Monthly exposure calculations show that one crime occurred for every 121 residents, a ratio that places residents at a higher risk than the UK average. This increase is particularly pronounced in vehicle crime, which surged by 131.6% from 19 to 44 incidents. While some categories like burglary and theft from the person saw declines, the overall upward trend suggests a combination of factors, including post-holiday economic pressures and seasonal changes affecting outdoor activity. The population of 114,340 means that even small percentage changes translate to hundreds of additional incidents, emphasizing the importance of community awareness and police collaboration in addressing these trends.