Dover, DE, Crime Rates & Statistics to Know

Located in east-central Dover along the Tuscarawas River, Dover is known for its small-town charm, strong manufacturing roots, and close-knit community. However, crime problems make home security systems in Dover a requirement. While Dover has made progress overall of late, challenges remain.

With a total crime index of one — with 100 being the safest — Dover is safer than just 1% of U.S. cities, according to the latest Neighborhood Scout data, which includes information from multiple sources. With some 40,000 residents, here’s how the Delaware city looks crime-wise compared to some other U.S. municipalities of its size.

Violent Crime in Dover

The chance of becoming the victim of a violent crime in Dover is one in 94. Of the 2,950 crimes reported in Dover over the most recent 12-month period, 436 were violent. The FBI defines violent crime as one of four offenses: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, robbery, rape, and aggravated assault.

By comparison, Princeton, New Jersey, has similar issues. Princeton has about 31,000 residents and a TCI of 26. If you’re there, there’s a one in 1,497 chance you’ll experience violent crime. Of the 469 crimes reported, 21 were violent.

Then there is Burlington, Vermont, with more than 44,000 residents and a total crime index of two. The chances of being victimized by violent crime are one in 200. Of 2,266 crimes reported over 12 months, 222 were in the violent category.

But in Kearny, New Jersey, a city with a population of nearly 40,000 and a TCI of 11, 64 of its 1,009 crimes were violent. There, you have a one in 639 chance of victimization.

Property Crime in Dover

Then there is property crime, defined by the FBI as burglary, arson, motor vehicle theft, and larceny theft. In Dover, your chances of experiencing this type of crime are one in 16 — for a rate of 62.8 per 1,000 residents. There were 2,950 crimes logged over 12 months, 2,524 of which were property crimes.

Compare Dover’s data with that of Princeton, where you have a one in 70 chance of being victimized, for a rate of 14.25 per 1,000 residents. Princeton reported 448 property crimes over 12 months — 27 of them burglaries.

As for Burlington’s property crime picture, you have a one in 22 chance of victimization. Of all the 2,266 crimes in Burlington, 2,044 were in the property category.

In Kearny, meanwhile, there’s a one in 43 chance of experiencing a property crime. That’s a rate of 23.12 per 1,000 residents. Of the city’s 1,009 crimes, 945 were property crimes.

Dover’s Police Department 

The Dover Police Department was established in 1925. The department is proud to have 101 officers protecting over 40 square miles of the city. They receive roughly 40,000 calls a year from their 40,000 residents and respond with a team-oriented approach to serving Dover.

How to Stay Safe

Monitored home security systems can help play a crucial role in preventing crime by working closely with local police like those in the Dover area. These systems work in tandem with law enforcement and first responders to lessen the chance of being the victim of a crime or emergency.

With a monitored security system, when an alarm is triggered, the security company’s monitoring center immediately assesses the situation and notifies law enforcement if necessary. By providing real-time information, such as the nature of the alarm and whether it’s a break-in or fire, first responders can respond more quickly and efficiently. The partnership between first responders and a monitored home security company helps enhance public safety and reduce response times.

In Summary 

Compared to other cities with similar populations, incidences of violent crimes, in particular, are higher in Dover. Meanwhile, in the U.S. as a whole, a residential break-in occurs every 26 seconds. Further, homes with no security system are 300% more likely to be burglarized wherever they are. Some 83% of would-be burglars search for the presence of an alarm system before attempting a break-in. That’s why monitored home security systems from Guardian Protection offer around-the-clock monitoring to give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re covered by professionals who work closely with first responders, every hour of the day.