Bursledon Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

July 2023 marked a slight uptick in Bursledon’s crime rate, reaching 7.8 per 1,000 residents — 6% below the UK average of 8.3. This figure, while not alarming, reflects the combination of seasonal dynamics and local characteristics. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (44.4% of all incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (20.4%) and vehicle crime (11.1%). These patterns align with the area’s role as a commuter suburb within Eastleigh, where transient populations and summer tourism may contribute to higher rates of violent and disorderly incidents. The surge in violence and sexual offences, though not uncommon during peak summer months, raises questions about the adequacy of local policing during festivals and events. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour — often linked to alcohol consumption and youth activity — remains a persistent challenge, despite a 40% drop in public order offences. Vehicle crime, while below the UK average, may be driven by the area’s proximity to major roads and parking facilities, though the 88% increase above the UK average for this category suggests a need for targeted interventions. Seasonal factors, including the absence of school holidays and the height of the tourist season, likely amplified these trends, as extended daylight hours and outdoor events create environments conducive to both crime and community engagement. The relatively low crime rate compared to the UK average, however, indicates that Bursledon’s built-up area status and local initiatives may be mitigating broader national trends.

July 2023 saw sharp increases in specific crime types, including a 400% rise in other theft and a 200% surge in criminal damage and arson. These spikes, though not uncommon during summer, suggest heightened activity in areas prone to unsecured property or transient gatherings. Conversely, public order offences fell by 40%, indicating a possible reduction in disturbances linked to seasonal events or improved community engagement. The area’s violent crime rate, at 3.4 per 1,000, is 22% above the UK average for this category — a disparity that may reflect Bursledon’s proximity to larger urban centres or its role as a hub for transient populations. Shoplifting rates doubled to 0.3 per 1,000, remaining 50% below the UK average, which could signal effective retail security measures despite the seasonal influx of tourists.

Bursledon’s crime rate in July 2023 rose by 28.7% compared to the previous month, climbing from 6.0 to 7.8 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest in absolute terms, reflects a shift in local patterns during peak summer activity. Locally, this translates to approximately two reported crimes per day — a figure that, while low, underscores the need for vigilance during periods of heightened foot traffic and events. On a monthly basis, one crime occurred for every 129 residents, a ratio that contextualises the scale of incidents within the community. This exposure rate, though below the UK average when scaled, highlights the impact of seasonal factors such as festivals and extended daylight hours, which can draw both residents and visitors to the area. The population context further reveals that even minor fluctuations in crime numbers can have a noticeable effect on perceived safety, particularly in a built-up area like Bursledon where community density amplifies the visibility of incidents.