Sittingbourne Crime Rate November 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Sittingbourne's crime rate in November 2025 stood at 8.5 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 16.4% above the UK average of 7.3 per 1,000. This marks a notable divergence from the national trend, with violent crime and anti-social behaviour dominating the landscape. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 33.6% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour at 17.9% and shoplifting at 11.2%. These figures suggest a concentrated challenge in managing public order and personal safety, particularly during the darker evenings of November. Seasonal factors may have played a role, with Bonfire Night and Black Friday shopping potentially increasing opportunities for crime. The area's retail presence, likely centred around its high streets and commercial zones, may contribute to the elevated shoplifting rates. However, the sharp contrast with the UK average indicates a need for targeted interventions in sectors such as public order management and community engagement. While the overall rate is concerning, the data also reveals pockets of improvement—vehicle crime, for instance, fell to 0.2 per 1,000, 50% below the UK average. This could reflect effective policing strategies in parking areas or increased awareness among residents. The challenge for local authorities will be balancing these divergent trends while addressing the specific drivers of violence and anti-social behaviour in a built-up area like Sittingbourne.

November 2025 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. Vehicle crime decreased by 41.2% (from 17 to 10 incidents), likely reflecting the impact of dark evenings on outdoor crime or increased surveillance in parking areas. Similarly, robbery rates fell by 28.6% (from 7 to 5 cases), a trend that may be linked to seasonal changes in public activity patterns. In contrast, burglary surged by 240%, rising from 5 to 17 incidents—an alarming increase that warrants closer examination. This spike could be attributed to targeted criminal activity or changes in property security practices. Other theft also rose sharply by 104.5%, from 22 to 45 cases, a figure that is 57% above the UK average. This category's growth may indicate vulnerabilities in retail or residential areas, particularly during the pre-Christmas shopping period. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 15.4% (from 52 to 44 cases), a reduction that might be tied to increased community patrols or seasonal deterrence. Bicycle theft doubled from 0 to 2 incidents, a 100% increase that could signal a rise in targeted thefts near educational institutions or transport hubs. These shifts highlight the combination of local factors and broader seasonal influences, with some areas showing marked improvement while others face escalating challenges.

Sittingbourne's November 2025 crime rate of 8.5 per 1,000 represents a 26.0% increase from the previous month's rate of 6.7 per 1,000, underscoring a clear upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 16 crimes per day, a figure that translates to a monthly exposure rate of 1 crime for every 118 residents. This monthly aggregate highlights the persistent nature of crime in the built-up area, even as certain categories show improvement. When compared to the UK average, Sittingbourne's overall rate remains elevated, but the population-scaled perspective reveals that the impact is distributed across the community. For instance, while anti-social behaviour is 42% above the UK average, other categories like vehicle crime and robbery are below national levels, suggesting a mixed picture of local policing effectiveness. The previous month's rate, though lower, still indicated a baseline of activity that has now intensified. This comparison is critical for residents, as it illustrates both the challenges and the potential for targeted interventions. The 1-in-118 monthly exposure figure, while sobering, also provides a concrete measure of risk that can inform community safety initiatives. Understanding these dynamics is essential for aligning local resources with the most pressing needs, ensuring that efforts are directed at the most significant contributors to the area's crime profile.