Headley Down and Headley Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The most unexpected shift in September 2023 was the 100% increase in burglary and public order offences, which rose from zero to three incidents each, despite the area’s overall crime rate remaining exceptionally low. Headley Down and Headley recorded 21 total crimes in the month, resulting in a crime rate of 3.7 per 1,000 residents—53.8% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This stark contrast underscores the area’s relative safety, though the sudden rise in property-related crimes warrants closer examination. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, accounting for 47.6% of all crimes, but their absolute number dropped by 9.1% compared to August. This decline may be linked to seasonal factors, such as the start of the academic year, which could reduce opportunities for violence in public spaces. However, the surge in burglary and public order offences defies this trend, suggesting that other local dynamics—such as increased foot traffic or changes in community activity—may have played a role. The area’s low crime rate is further reinforced by its position well below the UK average for most categories, with anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson both reporting figures 70% and 67% lower than national averages, respectively. These statistics align with the characteristics of a built-up area within East Hampshire, where low population density and limited commercial activity may contribute to reduced opportunities for crime. Seasonal context, including back-to-school activities and the transition into shorter evenings, may have influenced patterns, though the precise drivers of the burglary increase remain unclear. Overall, the data illustrates a combination of stability and unexpected fluctuations, with the area’s crime profile continuing to reflect a generally safe environment despite the notable spikes in specific categories.

September 2023 marked a sharp 100% increase in both burglary and public order offences compared to August, with three incidents of each recorded. This surge contrasts with a 9.1% decrease in violence and sexual offences, which fell from 11 to 10. The shift in crime mix reveals a move from violent incidents to property-related and public order issues, a pattern that diverges from the UK average for burglary, which is 56% lower in this area. The rise in burglary, though small in absolute terms, is striking given the area’s overall low crime rate. Residents may find it useful to note that burglary accounted for 14.3% of all crimes in September, a figure that is 56% above the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000. This anomaly suggests a possible local factor, such as seasonal changes or specific vulnerabilities in property security, though further data would be needed to confirm. The increase in public order offences, while similarly small in number, may reflect the impact of back-to-school activities or shifts in community behaviour as the month progressed.

Headley Down and Headley’s crime rate in September 2023 rose 4.8% compared to August, moving from 3.6 to 3.7 per 1,000 residents. While this increase is modest, it reflects a shift in crime patterns. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately one crime reported every 30 days, a figure that contextualises the low volume of incidents relative to the population. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 267 residents, a statistic that highlights the rarity of criminal activity in this built-up area. With a population of 5,609, the monthly exposure to crime remains exceptionally low, even when compared to similar-sized communities. This suggests that while the rate has increased slightly, the absolute number of crimes remains minimal, and the area continues to be significantly safer than the UK average. The population-scaled perspective reinforces that the likelihood of encountering crime here is far lower than in most parts of the country, though the small upward trend warrants attention in the context of seasonal factors.