Minster (Swale) Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For every 169 residents in Minster (Swale), one crime was reported in July 2024, translating to a crime rate of 5.9 per 1,000 — 29.8% below the UK average of 8.4. This makes the area significantly safer than the national average. Violence and sexual offences (49 incidents, 43.4% of total) remain the most common category, followed by anti-social behaviour (25 incidents, 22.1%). These figures align with the area's seasonal rhythm: July, a peak summer month marked by festivals, open-air events, and school holidays, may contribute to higher reports of violent incidents and anti-social behaviour. The lower-than-average rates for shoplifting (71% below UK levels) and public order offences (69% below) suggest effective policing or community engagement in retail areas and public spaces. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson (12 incidents, 10.6%) and burglary (7 incidents, 6.2%) highlight vulnerabilities in property crime, with burglary showing a stark 600% increase compared to June. This surge, though still below UK averages for the category, warrants scrutiny. The overall profile indicates a balance between routine safety and localized risks, shaped by both seasonal dynamics and the built-up area’s character within Swale.

July 2024 saw a 600% increase in burglary compared to June, jumping from one to seven incidents. This sharp rise, while still below the UK average (0.3 per 1,000), may reflect increased vulnerability during summer months when properties are unoccupied or less monitored. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped 70% (from 10 to 3), potentially linked to fewer cars on the road during school holidays or reduced outdoor activity. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common category, fell by 10% compared to June, though it remains 10% below the UK average. Shoplifting — typically a summer concern in retail hubs — was 71% below the UK average, suggesting effective deterrents in local stores. Violence and sexual offences, though the largest single category, were 9% below the UK average (2.6 vs 2.9 per 1,000), due to targeted policing efforts or community initiatives. The data also reveals a 71% drop in public order offences (from five to four), though this category remains 69% below the UK average. These shifts highlight both localized successes and areas requiring further attention, particularly in addressing burglary trends.

Minster’s crime rate in July 2024 (5.9 per 1,000) represented a 22.8% increase from June’s 4.8 per 1,000, yet it remains 29.8% below the UK average. This monthly rise translates to roughly four crimes reported per day in the built-up area — a figure that, while notable, is lower than many comparable urban centres. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 169 residents, a ratio that places the area in the safer half of UK communities. Population context is critical here: with 19,098 residents, even a modest increase in crime can feel amplified, but the overall rate remains manageable. For perspective, the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000 equates to one crime per 120 residents — a stark contrast to Minster’s figures. The 600% spike in burglary and 70% drop in vehicle crime illustrate the volatility of monthly crime patterns, influenced by factors like seasonal events or temporary disruptions. While the area’s lower-than-average rates for shoplifting and public order offences suggest effective local strategies, the upward trend in burglary underscores the need for sustained vigilance. Residents should interpret these figures as a reminder that crime is both context-specific and subject to monthly fluctuations, even within a generally safer region.