Sittingbourne Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Sittingbourne’s crime rate in November 2023 stood at 9.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 25.3% above the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This figure underscores the area’s position as a built-up centre with a crime profile that reflects both local and national trends. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 35.9% of all incidents, followed by shoplifting (16.2%) and anti-social behaviour (11.8%). These figures align with the characteristics of a mid-sized town where commercial activity and seasonal events, such as Bonfire Night and Black Friday, may contribute to fluctuations in crime patterns. The high rate of shoplifting—173% above the UK average—suggests that retail areas are a significant focal point for property crime, potentially influenced by the surge in online shopping and in-store promotions during November. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson were also elevated, with the latter 69% above the UK average. These patterns may be tied to the area’s social mix and the impact of seasonal transitions, such as darker evenings and colder weather, which can affect community interactions and public spaces. While the overall rate remains above the UK average, the breakdown of crime types reveals a combination of local factors, including the town’s economic structure and the timing of major events. The data also shows that certain categories, such as other theft and public order offences, are below the UK average, indicating areas where local conditions may be more controlled or where community initiatives have had a measurable effect.

November 2023 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories. Shoplifting rose sharply by 57.1% compared to October, reaching 88 incidents—a rate 173% above the UK average. This increase may be linked to Black Friday shopping activity, which often drives retail crime in built-up areas. Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 33.3%, decreasing from three to two incidents, a trend that could reflect heightened community awareness or enforcement efforts. Meanwhile, burglary increased by 37.5% (16 to 22 incidents), though it remains below the UK average for this category. Violent crimes, at 195 incidents, were 31% above the UK average, highlighting the persistent challenge of managing public safety in a town with a mix of residential and commercial zones. For residents, the sharp rise in shoplifting serves as a clear indicator of seasonal retail crime patterns that may warrant closer attention during peak shopping periods.

Sittingbourne's crime rate in November 2023 remained stable at 9.4 per 1,000 residents, a 1.4% decrease from the previous month's 9.5 per 1,000. This slight decline suggests a broadly consistent pattern in local crime dynamics. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 18 reported crimes per day, reflecting the ongoing presence of crime in the built-up area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 107 residents, highlighting the frequency of incidents relative to the population of 57,859. While the rate is 25.3% above the UK average, the stability in month-on-month figures indicates that underlying factors—such as the town’s retail presence, seasonal transitions, and community engagement—are likely maintaining this level. The population-scaled perspective reveals that while the rate is elevated compared to national averages, the absolute number of incidents is manageable within the context of a mid-sized built-up area.