Minster (Swale) Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Minster (Swale) reported a crime rate of 5.6 per 1,000 residents in January 2024, 24.3% below the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000. This figure, though higher than the previous month’s rate of 3.7 per 1,000, still places the area well below the national benchmark. Violent crimes dominated the crime picture, accounting for 50% of all incidents, with 53 cases reported. This category’s rate (2.8 per 1,000) was 8% above the UK average, possibly reflecting the built-up nature of Minster and its proximity to Swale’s rural areas. Property crimes, including shoplifting and criminal damage, made up 50% of the total, with rates for vehicle crime and burglary significantly below the UK average. The seasonal context of January—post-holiday, with shorter days and reduced retail footfall—may have contributed to the lower overall crime rate, though the spike in burglary remains an outlier. The data illustrates a combination of local characteristics and broader national trends, with Minster’s crime profile shaped by its role as a built-up area within a largely rural district.

January 2024 saw a 400% increase in burglary, jumping from one incident to five, the most significant month-on-month swing. This spike, coupled with 100% rises in drugs and robbery, highlights a notable shift in crime patterns. Violent crimes remained the largest category, accounting for 50% of all incidents, though their rate (2.8 per 1,000) was 8% above the UK average. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 28.6%, dropping from 14 to 10 cases. The area’s crime mix also showed stark contrasts with the UK: vehicle crime was 40% below the national average, and theft from the person was 38% below. These variations suggest local factors, such as Minster’s built-up character and proximity to rural Swale, may influence specific crime trends.

Minster (Swale)'s crime rate rose from 3.7 per 1,000 in December 2023 to 5.6 per 1,000 in January 2024, marking a 51.2% increase. This shift contrasts with the area’s usual seasonal pattern, where post-holiday periods typically see lower crime rates due to reduced retail footfall. Over the course of January, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 180 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for local households. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately three crimes per day, a rate that aligns with the built-up nature of Minster within Swale. The population-scaled perspective shows that while the overall rate remains below the UK average, the month-on-month rise suggests a potential shift in local dynamics, possibly linked to seasonal transitions or temporary factors affecting crime patterns.