Crime Statistics

Rochester Crime Rate

-9.5%year-over-year

Crime is decreasing and MODERATE in Rochester

Rochester's crime rate is 100.2 per 1,000 residents, with a safety score of 77/100. Discover crime statistics in Rochester.

Overall Crime Rate

100.2
Crimes per 1,000 people
decreasing trend

Property Crime Rate

34.1
Property crimes per 1,000 people
Includes burglary, theft, vandalism

How Rochester Compares to UK Average

Overall Crime:100.2vs 93.4 UK avg
+6.8 per 1,000 people
Property Crime:34.1vs 33.2 UK avg
+0.9 per 1,000 people

Rochester's crime rate is higher than UK average

Based on population of 70,728 over 12 months

Crime Statistics Summary for Rochester

Data last updated: September 2025. Source: Police.uk, ONS, Home Office.

Crime rates per 1,000 people in Rochester
Overall Crime Rate100.2 per 1,000 people
Property Crime Rate34.1 per 1,000 people
UK Average Crime Rate93.4 per 1,000 people
UK Average Property Crime Rate33.2 per 1,000 people
Safety Score77 out of 100
Population70,728
Trenddecreasing
Comparisonhigher than UK average
Crime Breakdown by Type in Rochester
Crime TypeTotal CountPer 1,000 PeoplePercentage of Total
Violence and sexual offences2,68137.938%
Anti-social behaviour1,09215.415%
Shoplifting7049.910%
Criminal damage and arson56888%
Other theft4676.67%
Vehicle crime3805.45%
Public order3124.44%
Drugs2613.74%
Other crime2533.64%
Burglary1802.53%
Possession of weapons7311%
Robbery510.71%
Bicycle theft380.51%
Theft from the person230.30%

Introduction to Crime in Rochester

Rochester records an overall crime rate of 100.2 per 1,000 residents per year, which is slightly above the UK national average of 93.4 per 1,000. With a safety score of 77 out of 100, the area is considered relatively safe, closely aligning with the UK average safety score of 78. In terms of recent trends, Rochester has experienced a positive shift, with its crime rate decreasing by 9.5% year-over-year. This data provides a comprehensive overview of the crime landscape within Rochester, offering valuable context for residents and visitors.

Rochester Safety Score

77
Moderate
Safety Score out of 100

Rochester's safety score is below the UK average. Protect what matters most with AI that thinks ahead of criminals.

0-20
20-40
40-60
60-80
80-100

Most Common Crimes in Rochester

#1

Violence and sexual offences

Percentage:38%
Per 1,000:37.9
Total:2,681
#2

Anti-social behaviour

Percentage:15%
Per 1,000:15.4
Total:1,092
#3

Shoplifting

Percentage:10%
Per 1,000:9.9
Total:704
#4

Criminal damage and arson

Percentage:8%
Per 1,000:8
Total:568
#5

Other theft

Percentage:7%
Per 1,000:6.6
Total:467

Protect Against These Threats

scOS security systems are designed to detect and deter the most common crimes in your area, providing 24/7 autonomous protection.

Protect Against These Threats

Crime Breakdown in Rochester

In Rochester, the most prevalent crime types are Violence and sexual offences, representing 37.9% of all reported crimes at a rate of 37.9 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour follows at 15.4% (15.4 per 1,000), and Shoplifting is the third most common at 9.9% (9.9 per 1,000). These three categories highlight key areas of criminal activity in the area. Property-related crime, encompassing burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at 34.1 per 1,000 residents. This figure is slightly above the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Residents and homeowners should consider these figures when assessing local security needs.

Crime Types Breakdown

Violence and sexual offences
2,681 incidents (37.9 per 1,000)
Anti-social behaviour
1,092 incidents (15.4 per 1,000)
Shoplifting
704 incidents (9.9 per 1,000)
Criminal damage and arson
568 incidents (8 per 1,000)
Other theft
467 incidents (6.6 per 1,000)
Vehicle crime
380 incidents (5.4 per 1,000)
Public order
312 incidents (4.4 per 1,000)
Drugs
261 incidents (3.7 per 1,000)
Other crime
253 incidents (3.6 per 1,000)
Burglary
180 incidents (2.5 per 1,000)
Possession of weapons
73 incidents (1 per 1,000)
Robbery
51 incidents (0.7 per 1,000)
Bicycle theft
38 incidents (0.5 per 1,000)
Theft from the person
23 incidents (0.3 per 1,000)

Crime Rate Trend

↓ 20.9% change(over 12 months)
Rochester
UK Average

Compare Rochester with similar populations

Rochester has a 7.3% higher crime rate than the UK average.

Crime Trends in Rochester

Rochester has experienced a positive trend over the past year, with its crime rate decreasing by 9.5% year-over-year. Examining the monthly trend data reveals consistent improvement. The crime rate per 1,000 residents saw its highest point in January 2025 at 9.1, and its lowest in September 2025 at 6.8, marking a significant decline towards the end of the reporting period. While there were minor fluctuations, the overall trajectory has been downward, indicating a sustained reduction in criminal activity. This decreasing trend is a reassuring development for the Rochester community.

When Do Crimes Happen in Rochester?

Understanding peak crime times helps you stay vigilant and secure your property when it matters most.

Simulated Data

This heatmap shows estimated crime patterns based on Rochester's crime statistics, crime type distribution, and general knowledge of when different crimes typically occur. This is not real historical data for specific times.

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Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Crime Likelihood:
Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Very High

Pro Tip: Burglaries peak on weekday evenings (6pm-midnight) and during work hours (10am-3pm) when homes appear empty. scOS smart security stays alert around the clock — detecting threats instantly, whether you're home or away.

What Types of Crime Happen When in Rochester?

Different crimes occur at different times. This breakdown shows which crime types dominate each time period.

Based on Crime-Type Weighted Model

Morning

6am - 12pm

Theft44%
Other30%
Vehicle Crime18%
Burglary7%
Violence0%

Morning hours show elevated theft activity, likely linked to daytime commerce.

Afternoon

12pm - 6pm

Theft50%
Other31%
Burglary13%
Vehicle Crime7%
Violence0%

Afternoon sees peak theft-related offences, coinciding with busy commercial periods.

Evening

6pm - 12am

Other51%
Theft18%
Vehicle Crime18%
Burglary11%
Violence0%

Evening crime patterns shift to other offences, with notable vehicle and burglary activity.

Night

12am - 6am

Vehicle Crime44%
Other34%
Burglary13%
Theft10%
Violence0%

Night hours are marked by higher vehicle crime and burglary incidents, targeting unattended properties.

Simulated Data - Crime-Type Weighted Model

These crime patterns are estimated using the Crime Survey for England and Wales (ONS) time-of-day data, weighted by Rochester's specific crime type distribution from Police.uk. This is not real historical data for specific times in Rochester, but a model-generated estimate based on the area's crime composition and national timing patterns.

Time-Based Crime Patterns in Rochester

Rochester's crime patterns show distinct characteristics across different times of the day. Morning hours (6am-12pm) are primarily affected by theft, accounting for 44% of crimes during this period, alongside vehicle crime at 18%. This trend of high theft activity continues into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), where it reaches 50%, indicating a strong link to daytime commercial activities. As the evening progresses (6pm-12am), 'Other' crimes, which often encompass public order and anti-social behaviour, become the most dominant category at 51%, with vehicle crime also significant at 18%. During the night (12am-6am), vehicle crime increases substantially to 44%, and burglary accounts for 13% of offences, suggesting that unattended properties and vehicles are targeted during these quieter periods.

Crime Rates Near Medway

Dartford

11.0 miles

110.0
per 1,000
High Risk

Medway

4.9 miles

105.6
per 1,000
High Risk

Gravesham

4.0 miles

102.3
per 1,000
High Risk

Thurrock

10.6 miles

97.1
per 1,000
Moderate Risk

Maidstone

11.6 miles

89.1
per 1,000
Moderate Risk

Castle Point

12.4 miles

60.6
per 1,000
Low Risk

Crime Rate Risk Levels

Very Low
Low
Moderate
High
Very High

Explore Nearby Areas

Lower Upnor

2.0 miles

0.0
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Cuxton

2.3 miles

37.0
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Higham (Gravesham)

2.1 miles

44.5
per 1,000
Very Low Risk

Chattenden

2.5 miles

90.6
per 1,000
Moderate Risk

Police Response Times in Rochester

How quickly do police respond to emergencies?

Grade 1 (Immediate)

Emergency 999 calls requiring immediate attendance — crimes in progress, threat to life, or serious injury.

Grade 2 (Priority)

Serious incidents needing prompt response but no immediate threat to life — recent crimes, vulnerable victims.

Grade 1 - Immediate

Emergency Response

19 minActual
Actual
19 min
Target
15 min
UK Average
15 min
4 min slower than target

Grade 2 - Priority

Priority Response

1h 41mActual
Actual
1h 41m
Target
1h
UK Average
1h
41 min slower than target

Active Officers

4,168

Each = 500 officers

Police Stations

Pending

Station count data is being collected

Why Response Time Matters

The average burglary takes just 8-10 minutes. Even when police respond quickly, burglars are often gone before anyone arrives.

scOS spots trouble the moment it starts — your lights come on, sirens sound, and you get an alert on your phone. Burglars don't stick around when they've lost the element of surprise.

2024 data
Mean response times
Source: FOI Request

How Does Rochester Compare?

Lowestoft

81.8
crimes per 1,000 people
18.4% safer than Rochester

Crewe

112.6
crimes per 1,000 people
12.4% higher than Rochester

Bognor Regis

90.2
crimes per 1,000 people
10.0% safer than Rochester

Burton upon Trent

98.9
crimes per 1,000 people
1.3% safer than Rochester

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

Comparing Rochester with neighbouring areas such as Lower Upnor, Higham (Gravesham), Cuxton, and Chattenden offers a valuable regional perspective on crime. Each of these locations will have its own distinct crime profile, influenced by local demographics and characteristics. Understanding how Rochester compares to these nearby areas can provide crucial insights for residents and those considering a move, helping to contextualise the local crime statistics within the broader Medway region.

Why scOS Is Different From Every Other Security System

Traditional systems watch crime happen. scOS stops it from happening.

Sees Everything At Once

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Property line intervention

Knows Every Vehicle

DVLA verification catches fake plates instantly. Suspicious car? You know before they park.

Stop them early

Learns Your Patterns

Recognizes family, delivery times, normal routines. Only alerts you to real threats.

Zero false alarms

Traditional CCTV

  • •Records crime as it happens
  • •Motion alerts for every shadow, leaf, or car passing by
  • •You discover break-in hours later or are in the middle of it
  • •Hope police can use the footage

scOS Intelligence

  • •Stops threats before they reach your door
  • •Intelligent motion alerts — only notifies you of real threats
  • •Lights and speakers respond autonomously
  • •They turn away before you even know

What used to be impossible is now effortless.

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Protecting Your Property in Rochester

With Rochester's property crime rate at 34.1 per 1,000 residents, robust home security is a significant consideration. Traditional CCTV cameras often capture footage of a burglary after it has happened, failing to prevent the incident itself. For effective prevention, a proactive security solution is essential. Consider an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS, which actively detects threats at your property's boundary. Unlike reactive systems, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence and learns your routines to distinguish real threats, initiating an autonomous response with lights and speakers to deter intruders before they can cause harm. This professional-grade deterrence can make your property a less appealing target, as burglars typically make their decision to proceed or move on within 60 seconds.

Ready to stop reading statistics and start protecting what matters?

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Understanding Our Data

How we source and verify crime information for Rochester

4,392+
Areas Covered
19M+
Crime Records
100%
Official Sources

Understanding the Calculations

The crime rate represents the number of recorded incidents per thousand residents in Rochester. This approach ensures fair comparison regardless of area population size.

Our Information

All statistics come from official government sources: Police.uk provides recorded crime data while the Office for National Statistics supplies population figures. We aggregate data at multiple geographic levels for context.

Formula Used

Crimes per 1k residents = (Total incidents ÷ Population) × 1,000

Our statistics derive entirely from UK government databases:

  • Police.uk — Crime records from territorial police forces across England and Wales (43 total)
  • Office for National Statistics — Population statistics and the Crime Survey for England and Wales
  • Home Office — Nationwide crime data and official policy records
  • FOI Requests — Additional statistics obtained via formal requests to police services
Our system covers 4,392+ areas across England and Wales, including major urban centers, towns, and administrative regions. Data for Greater Manchester is currently unavailable. We refresh statistics immediately when official sources publish updates (generally every 8 weeks) and maintain archives for historical analysis.
Police.ukONSHome OfficeFOI

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

Last updated: September 2025

New data is released by Police.uk approximately every two months

Spotted incorrect data or something that doesn't look right? Let us know and we'll investigate.

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