Sheerness Crime Rate July 2025 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile in Sheerness during July 2025 reveals a stark imbalance between violent and property crimes, with the former dominating the overall rate. At 19.4 per 1,000 residents, the area’s crime rate is 125.6% above the UK average of 8.6, highlighting a significant deviation from national trends. Violence and sexual offences account for 38.4% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour at 22.0%, suggesting a pattern of interpersonal conflict and disorder that exceeds typical urban or rural benchmarks. This mix contrasts with the UK average, where property crimes often outnumber violent crimes. The seasonal context of July—peak summer, school holidays, and tourism—likely contributes to this dynamic. Coastal towns like Sheerness often see spikes in anti-social behaviour during festivals and events, while the absence of students (unlike university cities) may explain lower rates of bicycle theft or retail crime. However, the high prevalence of violence and anti-social behaviour raises questions about local factors, such as community cohesion, policing presence, or socioeconomic challenges. The rate of criminal damage and arson (13.7% above the UK average) further underscores a pattern of property-related disorder, which may be linked to the town’s infrastructure or environmental conditions. While July is typically a low-crime month for property crimes in other areas, Sheerness’ data suggests a persistent challenge in managing public order and reducing violent incidents.

July 2025 saw dramatic month-on-month changes in specific crime categories, with possession of weapons surging by 300% (from 1 to 4 incidents) and drugs-related offences doubling (from 2 to 6). These spikes, while small in absolute terms, signal potential shifts in local dynamics, possibly linked to increased summer activity or unregulated events. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 18.8% (from 16 to 13), and theft from the person dropped by 50% (from 2 to 1), suggesting that targeted policing or seasonal changes may have temporarily reduced these offences. The crime mix also reveals stark disparities compared to the UK average: violence and sexual offences in Sheerness are 143% above the national rate, and anti-social behaviour is 177% higher, indicating a level of disorder that is exceptionally pronounced. This imbalance may reflect the town’s unique characteristics, such as its coastal location attracting transient populations or limited resources for community support. For residents, the sharp rise in possession of weapons is a particular concern, as it could indicate increased gang activity or access to illicit firearms, though can be confirmed without further data.

The crime rate in Sheerness rose by 19.2% from 16.3 per 1,000 in June to 19.4 per 1,000 in July, marking a notable upward trend. Over the course of the month, this translated to roughly 8 crimes per day—equivalent to one reported crime for every 52 residents. While this daily figure may seem high, it is essential to contextualise it within the town’s population of 13,168. The monthly exposure of 1-in-52 residents is significantly higher than the UK average, which is typically around 1-in-100 to 1-in-150 for most areas. This disparity underscores Sheerness’ elevated risk profile compared to other parts of the country. The previous month’s rate of 16.3 per 1,000, while still above average, suggests that the July increase was not an isolated anomaly but part of a broader pattern. The combination of rising violent crime and persistent anti-social behaviour, paired with the town’s coastal character and seasonal fluctuations, may create a unique environment where crime is more visible or concentrated. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, particularly during peak summer hours when outdoor events and tourism could exacerbate existing challenges.