Rochester Crime Rate

Rochester is a vibrant and historic urban settlement within Medway, with an overall crime rate of 98.6 per 1,000 people. While this is slightly above the UK national average of 91.6, the area maintains a respectable safety score of 77/100. Encouragingly, data from Jan 2025 to Dec 2025 shows a significant decreasing trend, with crime falling by 9.8% year-over-year. Property crime in Rochester stands at 31.8 per 1,000 people, which is just below the UK average of 32.2. This suggests that while the town's urban nature brings certain challenges, the overall environment is becoming safer, making it a positive time for residents and businesses in the area.

In Rochester, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes, accounting for 2,701 incidents (38.8% of total crime). Anti-social behaviour (16.2%) and shoplifting (9.6%) also rank highly. For property owners, the overall property crime rate is 31.8 per 1,000 people, which is just below the UK average of 32.2. This includes 314 vehicle crimes (4.5%) and 155 burglaries (2.2%). While burglary rates are relatively low, the presence of criminal damage (7.8%) and other thefts (6.4%) suggests that opportunistic crime is a factor in this historic urban area. Residents should remain vigilant about securing their homes and vehicles, particularly in areas with high pedestrian footfall.

The crime trend in Rochester is currently decreasing, with a notable 9.8% reduction in total offences over the last year. Detailed monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates peaked in March at 9.5 per 1,000 people and reached their lowest point in September at 6.8 per 1,000. The year began at 9.1 in January and ended on a relatively stable note at 7.9 in December. This downward trajectory is a positive indicator for the community, suggesting that local crime prevention strategies and policing are effectively reducing the number of incidents. For residents, this means the area is becoming statistically safer, though the fluctuations throughout the year highlight the importance of maintaining consistent security habits regardless of the overall trend.

How To Keep Safe in Rochester

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Rochester, often concentrated in the busy town centre and nightlife areas. To stay safe in this urban context, consider these localized tips. Firstly, when enjoying Rochester's historic High Street or its many pubs and restaurants at night, always stay in well-lit areas and try to walk with others. Secondly, be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas, as shoplifting and other thefts are significant local issues. Thirdly, for vehicle owners, ensure your car is parked in a secure, well-lit location, particularly overnight when vehicle crime peaks at 40% of night-time incidents. Finally, for homeowners, ensure your property is secure during the afternoon and night, as these are the peak times for burglary. Investing in a modern security system that offers real-time alerts can provide an extra layer of protection and peace of mind.

Crime in Rochester follows distinct temporal patterns. Morning hours (6am - 12pm) are dominated by theft (44%), coinciding with the opening of businesses and increased pedestrian activity. This trend intensifies in the afternoon (12pm - 6pm), where theft-related offences peak at 49%. As the day transitions into the evening (6pm - 12am), 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, become the most prominent at 55%. Overnight (12am - 6am), the focus shifts significantly towards vehicle crime, which accounts for 40% of all reported incidents during this period. Burglary remains relatively consistent throughout the day but peaks slightly at night (13%) and in the afternoon (12%). For residents, this means that while theft is a daytime concern, vehicle and property security are paramount during the hours of darkness.

Rochester's safety profile is best understood in comparison to its immediate Medway neighbours. It has a higher crime rate than the quieter, more rural areas of Lower Upnor and Cuxton (41.3 per 1,000). However, it sits in a similar bracket to Chattenden (84.4 per 1,000) and is part of the broader Medway urban trend. For those looking for a historic town with a strong community feel, Rochester offers a more urban experience than Higham, but with a crime rate that is currently on a healthy downward trajectory, making it an increasingly attractive option in the region.

In an urban setting like Rochester, where property crime is a constant consideration, traditional security often fails to provide the necessary level of protection. Standard CCTV systems are reactive; they record a crime after it has occurred, leaving you with footage but no way to prevent the loss. For true security, you need a proactive system like scOS (Security Operating System). scOS uses AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries in real-time, identifying suspicious activity before a break-in occurs. If an intruder is detected, scOS can trigger autonomous responses—such as activating security lights or audible warnings—to deter them instantly. In an area where vehicle crime is more prevalent at night, scOS's 24/7 monitoring and vehicle plate verification offer a significant advantage. Most burglars make a decision within 60 seconds; a visible scOS installation signals that your property is actively defended, making them move on to an easier target. By choosing proactive protection, you take control of your home's safety.