Medway Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Medway, 9.3 crimes were recorded in July 2024 — a rate 10.7% higher than the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This translates to one reported crime for every 107 residents over the course of the month, a figure that underscores the tangible risk residents face in their daily lives. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (41.5% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (15.6%) and criminal damage and arson (8.4%). These figures align with seasonal patterns typical of peak summer months, when Medway’s tourism industry, festivals, and extended daylight hours may contribute to increased social interactions and associated risks. Violence and sexual offences, in particular, were 37% above the UK average, likely influenced by the area’s mix of urban centres and commuter hubs, where late-night activity and public events can heighten exposure. While anti-social behaviour and criminal damage rates also exceeded national averages, shoplifting and public order offences fell below UK norms, possibly reflecting seasonal shifts in retail activity and policing priorities. The overall crime profile suggests a need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas during summer months, when community engagement and environmental design may play a critical role in mitigating risks.

July 2024 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories. Theft from the person surged by 75% compared to June, rising from 12 to 21 incidents — a sharp increase that may reflect heightened vulnerability during summer evenings and festivals. Simultaneously, possession of weapons rose by 63.2%, with 31 reported cases, potentially linked to increased alcohol consumption or unseasonal events. Robbery also climbed by 50%, from 14 to 21 cases, a trend that could be attributed to targeted opportunism in crowded public spaces. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 14.7%, with 174 incidents compared to 204 in June, due to seasonal retail strategies or heightened surveillance. Burglary decreased by 8.3%, from 72 to 66, though this remains 35% below the UK average, suggesting sustained effectiveness in property crime prevention. The breakdown also reveals stark contrasts with national trends: violence and sexual offences were 37% above the UK average, while theft from the person and public order offences were 41% and 22% below, respectively. These variations highlight the need for tailored approaches, such as increased patrols in high-traffic areas during peak hours, to address the specific challenges Medway faces.

Medway’s crime rate in July 2024 remained stable compared to June, with no change from the previous month’s 9.3 per 1,000 residents. However, this rate persists at 10.7% above the UK average, a gap that translates to tangible differences in local risk. On a daily basis, Medway recorded an average of 88 crimes per day — a figure that, while consistent with recent months, reflects the area’s higher-than-average exposure. Over the course of July, one reported crime occurred for every 107 residents, a monthly aggregate that provides context for residents assessing their personal risk. When scaled to the area’s population of 292,655, this rate underscores the need for community-focused crime prevention strategies. While the overall rate is stable, the breakdown of crime types reveals disparities: violence and sexual offences, at 3.9 per 1,000, are 37% above the UK average, while shoplifting and public order offences are 12% and 22% below, respectively. These variations suggest that Medway’s crime challenges are not uniform, requiring targeted interventions that address both the elevated risks in violent crimes and the areas where local performance exceeds national benchmarks.