Alton (East Hampshire) Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Alton (East Hampshire), 5.6 crimes were reported in September 2024, placing the area 27.3% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This translates to a daily risk of encountering crime at a rate of roughly 4 incidents per day, though the distribution of crime types reveals a distinct pattern. Violence and sexual offences (46 cases) dominate the crime picture, accounting for 43% of all recorded crimes, followed by criminal damage and arson (13 cases) and public order offences (13 cases). These figures align with seasonal rhythms: as September marks the return of students to local universities and the start of term, the data suggests a possible correlation between increased foot traffic in town centres and the rise in public order and violent incidents. Violence and sexual offences in Alton are 8% below the UK average, while criminal damage and arson are 25% above, highlighting local differences in crime drivers. The relatively low rate of anti-social behaviour (57% below UK average) may reflect community cohesion in this built-up area, though the seasonal context of shorter evenings and back-to-school routines could influence patterns of interaction in public spaces. The overall crime rate remains well below the national benchmark, suggesting a safer environment for residents compared to the UK as a whole.

September 2024 saw significant shifts in crime patterns, with robbery incidents doubling from 0 to 1 (a 100% increase) and drug-related offences rising from 1 to 2 (also a 100% increase). These spikes contrast with notable declines in shoplifting (down 66.7% from 9 to 3) and vehicle crime (down 50% from 8 to 4). The balance between property and violent crimes also shifted: while violent crimes accounted for 43% of all incidents, property-related offences (34 cases) made up 32% of the total. This suggests a slight increase in the proportion of violent crime compared to previous months. For context, Alton's rate of violence and sexual offences (2.4 per 1,000) is 8% below the UK average, yet criminal damage and arson (0.7 per 1,000) are 25% above the national benchmark. Residents might find the 71% drop in shoplifting particularly noteworthy, as it indicates a 60% reduction in the number of incidents compared to the same period last year. These fluctuations may reflect changing patterns of activity in retail areas as the month transitions from summer to autumn.

Alton's crime rate in September 2024 (5.6 per 1,000) marks a 5.9% increase from the previous month's rate of 5.3 per 1,000, though it remains significantly below the UK average. This monthly change equates to an additional 3.5 crimes per 1,000 residents compared to August, a shift that may be influenced by seasonal factors such as the return of students to local universities. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 4 crimes per day in September, a figure that contextualises the risk for residents in practical terms. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 179 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the national average in most comparable built-up areas. This statistic suggests that, despite the month-on-month increase, Alton's overall crime profile remains relatively low compared to the UK. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that violent crimes, which account for 43% of all incidents, are concentrated in ways that may reflect local demographics—such as the presence of student populations in nearby educational institutions. While the rate of anti-social behaviour is 57% below the UK average, the 25% above-average rate for criminal damage and arson highlights specific vulnerabilities in the area that may warrant further community-focused interventions.