Medway Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of nearly 293,000 residents, Medway recorded 2,957 crimes in August 2023 — equivalent to one crime for every 99 residents over the course of the month. This translates to a crime rate of 10.1 per 1,000 people, placing the area 24.7% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 37.4% of all reported incidents (1,107 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (18.2%) and criminal damage and arson (9.0%). These figures suggest a significant focus on interpersonal conflicts and public disorder, which may partly explain the elevated rate compared to national benchmarks. August, a peak holiday month, typically sees increased tourism and temporary absences from homes, factors that could contribute to higher burglary risks. However, the data also reveals a stark contrast in crime patterns: while violent crime rates are higher than the UK average, vehicle crime is 18% below national levels, reflecting lower commuter traffic or effective local policing strategies in this area.

August 2023 saw notable shifts in crime trends, with several categories showing significant changes compared to July. Other crime — a broad category encompassing offences like fraud and cybercrime — surged by 41.7% (60 to 85 cases), highlighting a growing concern in this area. Burglary also increased by 17.6% (91 to 107 cases), which may be linked to August's seasonal context of empty homes during holidays. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped by 29.0% (155 to 110 cases), possibly due to reduced commuter traffic or successful police initiatives targeting this category. Violence and sexual offences remained high, with a rate of 3.8 per 1,000 — 44% above the UK average — suggesting ongoing challenges in addressing violent crime in Medway. Anti-social behaviour, at 1.8 per 1,000, was also 25% above the national average, indicating persistent issues with public disorder. A resident might find the 18% below UK average for vehicle crime reassuring, particularly if they rely on car travel for work or daily life.

Medway's crime rate in August 2023 was 10.1 per 1,000 residents, a 3.7% decrease from July's 10.5 per 1,000. This monthly decline suggests some stabilisation in crime trends, though the overall rate remains significantly above the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 95 crimes per day — a local figure that provides context for residents assessing their risk. Over the course of August, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 99 residents, a monthly aggregate that underscores the density of incidents in a population of nearly 293,000. When scaled to the area's demographic profile, this rate indicates that crime is concentrated compared to the national picture. While the decrease from July is modest, it contrasts with the 24.7% gap above the UK average, highlighting the need for sustained efforts to address persistent challenges. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that Medway's crime profile is markedly different from the UK average, with violent crime and anti-social behaviour being particularly elevated — factors that may reflect the area's urban character and social dynamics.