Medway Crime Rate July 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In July 2025, Medway's crime rate of 9.9 per 1,000 residents placed it 15.1% above the UK average, underscoring the area's persistent challenges with public safety. The crime profile was dominated by violence and sexual offences (35.7% of total incidents), anti-social behaviour (23.3%), and criminal damage (9.1%), all of which reflect the impact of Medway's urban character and summer activity patterns. Violence and sexual offences, at 3.5 per 1,000 residents, were 15% above the UK average, a figure consistent with the area's history of social unrest during peak tourist seasons. Anti-social behaviour, which rose sharply in July, likely stems from the district's high density of public spaces and the increased presence of transient populations during festivals. The seasonal context of July — with schools out, festivals in full swing, and extended daylight hours — appears to amplify both violent and disorderly conduct. While shoplifting and theft from the person declined, the rise in vehicle crime and bicycle theft suggests that the influx of tourists and the use of public transport during summer months are creating new vulnerabilities. These trends highlight the complex relationship between Medway's geography, its role as a regional hub for tourism, and the seasonal rhythms that shape local crime dynamics.

July saw a 28.9% increase in anti-social behaviour, rising to 674 incidents — 48% above the UK average. This surge aligns with the area's summer festival calendar and extended daylight hours, which may contribute to heightened public space activity. Bicycle theft also rose sharply, with a 41.2% increase to 24 incidents, potentially linked to the influx of tourists and outdoor events. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 24.8% to 173 cases, due to the closure of retail outlets during school holidays. Vehicle crime increased by 37.0% to 137 incidents, which may reflect the higher number of parked vehicles in crowded public areas during festivals. These shifts in crime patterns highlight the need for targeted policing strategies during peak tourist seasons.

Medway's crime rate in July 2025 rose to 9.9 per 1,000 residents, a 5.7% increase from June's 9.4 per 1,000. This translates to approximately 93 reported crimes per day, reflecting the area's ongoing challenges with public safety. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 101 residents, a figure that underscores the frequency of incidents in a population of nearly 293,000. While this monthly exposure rate is a local benchmark, it highlights the tangible impact of crime on daily life. The population-scaled perspective reveals that residents face a higher-than-average risk compared to the UK as a whole, with specific categories like anti-social behaviour and violence significantly outpacing national trends. These figures, when contextualised with Medway's urban character and seasonal activity, suggest that community-focused interventions may need to be prioritised during peak summer months.