Side-by-side crime statistics from official UK Police data.
ME1 · Medway
176
crimes in February 2026
Near national average
ME2 · Medway
255
crimes in February 2026
Above national average
Rochester has less crime — 176 vs 255 incidents in February 2026.
Strood saw somewhat more crime than Rochester in February 2026 (255 vs 176 incidents). The crime profiles diverge meaningfully: Rochester sees higher rates of Other theft (19) and Shoplifting (18), while Strood has more Anti-social behaviour (45) and Criminal damage & arson (21). Both areas sit near the national average, with modest differences in their overall safety profile.
Full reports cover 24 months of trends, ward breakdowns, outcome rates, and a detailed safety score — from £4.99.
Based on February 2026 Police data, Rochester recorded fewer crimes than Strood — 176 vs 255 incidents. That is 31% fewer crimes. Strood is above the national average.
The main difference lies in crime type. In February 2026, Rochester saw higher rates of Other theft and Shoplifting while Strood had more Anti-social behaviour and Criminal damage & arson. Overall, Rochester recorded fewer total crimes (176 vs 255).