Alton Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In April 2023, Alton (East Hampshire) recorded 116 crimes across a population of 19,178, resulting in a crime rate of 6.1 per 1,000 residents—18.7% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 26.7% of all reported incidents (31 cases), significantly below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000 (38% below). This category's prevalence likely reflects the area's character as a built-up town with a mix of residential and commercial activity, where interpersonal conflicts may arise more frequently in public spaces. Property crimes, including vehicle theft and burglary, formed the next largest share, though their rates diverged from national trends: vehicle crime (18 incidents, 1.6 per 1,000) was 100% above the UK average, while burglary (9 incidents, 0.5 per 1,000) was 67% above. These discrepancies may stem from Alton's proximity to major roads or its role as a commuter hub, increasing exposure to vehicle-related crimes. Anti-social behaviour (17 incidents, 0.9 per 1,000) and public order offences (16 incidents, 0.8 per 1,000) also featured prominently, linked to increased outdoor activity during spring. The seasonal context of April—Easter celebrations and milder weather—may have contributed to higher public interaction and associated incidents. Despite these fluctuations, the overall rate remains well below the UK average, suggesting effective local crime prevention measures or a demographic profile that mitigates broader national trends.

April 2023 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with burglary increasing by 125% compared to March, rising from 4 to 9 incidents. This surge aligns with the UK average for burglary (0.3 per 1,000), though Alton's rate (0.5 per 1,000) is higher. Conversely, shoplifting dropped by 57.1%, from 7 to 3 incidents, a decline that may reflect seasonal factors such as reduced foot traffic during Easter. Vehicle crime also rose sharply, with an 80% increase to 18 incidents, surpassing the UK average by 100% (0.5 per 1,000). This spike could be linked to increased outdoor activity during spring, exposing parked vehicles to theft. Meanwhile, possession of weapons doubled from 0 to 1 incident, a figure that, while small, exceeds the UK average by 43%. These shifts highlight the dynamic nature of crime patterns in Alton, with some categories trending upwards while others experience notable declines.

Alton's crime rate in April 2023 remained stable compared to March, reflecting a 0.8% increase from 6.0 to 6.1 per 1,000 residents. This consistency suggests no major shifts in overall criminal activity, though localized trends within specific categories show variation. On a daily basis, 4 crimes were reported each day in April, a figure that contextualizes the pace of incidents within the built-up area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 165 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the frequency of incidents relative to the population. When scaled to the area's population of 19,178, this equates to a manageable but noticeable level of activity, particularly when considering the town's smaller size compared to larger urban centres. The stability in the overall rate contrasts with the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, positioning Alton as a relatively safer area in this metric. This comparison underscores the effectiveness of local policing strategies or the area's demographic profile in mitigating crime.