Rochester Crime Rate

Rochester, a historic and prominent town in Medway, has an overall crime rate of 98.8 per 1,000 residents. This figure is slightly higher than the UK average of 91.7, reflecting its status as a busy urban and commercial centre. However, the area maintains a good safety score of 77/100, which is close to the national average of 79. Encouragingly, the crime trend in Rochester is currently decreasing, with a 9.9% reduction in total offences over the last year. This downward trajectory suggests that the town is becoming safer for its residents and many visitors. The following data provides a detailed breakdown of criminal activity in Rochester, highlighting the most common offences and the specific times they occur, offering a clear view of the local safety environment.

In Rochester, the crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 38.2% of all reported incidents, or 37.7 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 16.3%, followed by shoplifting at 9.8%. These figures reflect Rochester's status as a historic urban centre with a significant retail and social scene.

Property-related crime in Rochester—including burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and shoplifting—occurs at a rate of 32.4 per 1,000 people. This is almost identical to the UK average of 32.3. Shoplifting is a notable factor, representing 9.8% of all crimes, which highlights the impact of the town's commercial activity. Vehicle crime (4.8%) and burglary (2.3%) also feature in the statistics. For residents and homeowners, this means that while the safety score of 77/100 is good, there is a consistent risk of opportunistic theft and damage. The balance between residential areas and busy tourist and shopping zones means that properties can be targeted both in the day and night. Protecting against these common property crimes is essential for maintaining the overall security of the neighbourhood.

The crime trend in Rochester is currently decreasing, with a significant 9.9% reduction in total offences year-over-year. Analysis of the monthly data from Dec 2024 to Nov 2025 shows a generally downward trajectory. The highest crime rates were recorded in early 2025, with January reaching 9.1 per 1,000 residents and March peaking at 9.5. However, as the year progressed, the rate began to decline, reaching its lowest point in September at 6.8 per 1,000. This positive trend is a strong indicator for the community, suggesting that local safety initiatives and policing are having a beneficial effect. For residents, this means that while the area remains an active urban environment, the overall risk is diminishing, providing a more secure atmosphere for living and working.

How To Keep Safe in Rochester

The most common crime in Rochester is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 38.2% of all reported incidents. In a busy urban environment with a significant nightlife and retail scene, staying safe requires awareness and proactive habits. To enhance your safety in Rochester, consider these localized tips:

1. When walking through the historic town centre or near the railway station, especially at night, stay in well-lit, populated areas and remain aware of your surroundings.
2. Given the high rate of shoplifting and theft, be extra vigilant with your belongings in crowded places. Keep bags zipped and never leave valuables like phones or wallets on tables in cafes or restaurants.
3. Secure your vehicle at all times. With vehicle crime accounting for 4.8% of local incidents, parking in well-lit, busy areas and ensuring no items are left on display can significantly reduce the risk of a break-in.
4. Report any anti-social behaviour to the local authorities immediately. High levels of reporting help police identify problem areas and can lead to increased patrols and improved community safety.
5. Strengthen your home security. Ensure all windows and doors have robust locks and consider installing motion-sensor lighting around your property's perimeter to eliminate dark spots that could be used as cover by intruders.

Crime in Rochester follows a clear temporal cycle, with the afternoon (12pm - 6pm) being the most active period for theft-related offences, which account for 50% of all crimes during these hours. This peak aligns with the town's high volume of retail and tourist activity. As the day transitions into the night-time hours (12am - 6am), the nature of crime shifts significantly. During this period, vehicle crime becomes the most prominent property offence, making up 41% of incidents. Burglary also remains a factor, accounting for 13% of night-time reports. The evening period (6pm - 12am) is dominated by 'other' crime types, which constitute 54% of incidents. These patterns indicate that while daytime crime is largely driven by shoplifting and opportunistic theft in public spaces, nighttime crime is more focused on unattended vehicles and residential properties. Residents should ensure vehicles are securely parked overnight and property defences are robust during both the afternoon and late-night periods.

In the context of the Medway region, Rochester's crime rate of 98.8 per 1,000 is lower than its neighbours Chatham (123.8) and Gillingham (102.5). However, it remains busier than the outlying suburban and rural areas like Chattenden (87.3), Higham (44.1), and Cuxton (40.3). The village of Lower Upnor reported 0.0 crimes during the same period. This comparison shows that while Rochester is one of the more active urban centres in Kent, it offers a slightly better safety profile than the larger neighbouring hubs. For those considering Rochester, it provides a balance of urban amenities and historic character with a crime rate that is currently on a positive downward trend.

In an urban area like Rochester, where the property crime rate of 32.4 per 1,000 is typical for the UK, traditional security measures often have limitations. Standard CCTV and doorbell cameras are reactive; they record a crime as it happens, which is often too late to prevent the incident. In a town with a significant retail presence and high footfall, having a recording of an event is a poor substitute for preventing it.

The scOS AI-powered operating system offers a proactive alternative by focusing on prevention. Using advanced AI to monitor all cameras simultaneously, scOS can detect potential threats at your property boundary—such as an unrecognised individual loitering or testing locks—before a break-in occurs. Its ability to distinguish between normal routines and suspicious patterns allows it to trigger autonomous responses, like engaging floodlights or audio deterrents, which can stop a criminal before they commit to an act. For Rochester homeowners and business owners, this professional-grade, intelligent protection provides a decisive advantage in deterring opportunistic crime and ensuring that security is a proactive shield rather than just a recording device.