Bursledon Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Bursledon’s crime rate of 6.3 per 1,000 residents in April 2024 places it 18.2% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, a position that underscores its relative safety compared to the national context. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences, accounting for 34.1% of all reported incidents, followed by shoplifting at 25.0% and anti-social behaviour at 9.1%. This distribution suggests a combination of local demographics and environmental factors, with the area’s proximity to Eastleigh potentially influencing both retail-related crime and broader patterns of violent incidents. April’s seasonal context—marked by Easter celebrations, spring weather, and increased outdoor activity—may have contributed to fluctuations in certain crime types. For instance, the notable rise in shoplifting could be linked to heightened foot traffic during Easter, while the decline in anti-social behaviour may reflect the transition from winter to spring, a period often associated with reduced alcohol-related incidents. The area’s lower-than-average violent crime rate, despite being a built-up zone, may be attributed to its smaller population and more cohesive community structures, which could mitigate opportunities for certain forms of crime. However, the stark 139% above UK average rate for shoplifting indicates a specific challenge, likely tied to the presence of retail outlets and the accessibility of local transport networks that facilitate repeat offender activity. These patterns highlight the importance of tailoring local crime prevention strategies to the unique characteristics of Bursledon, balancing efforts to address high-risk areas like retail zones while maintaining the overall safety profile that has contributed to its below-average crime rate.

April 2024 saw a dramatic 175% increase in shoplifting incidents, rising from 4 to 11 cases. This surge, though not uncommon during periods of increased retail activity, was accompanied by a sharp drop in burglary, which fell by 71.4% from 7 to 2 cases. The contrast between these trends suggests shifting patterns in criminal behaviour, possibly influenced by seasonal factors such as Easter-related foot traffic or changes in local business hours. Violence and sexual offences, though still the most common category (34.1% of total crimes), remained 14% below the UK average at 2.2 per 1,000. This divergence from national trends may reflect the area’s character as a smaller built-up zone with lower population density, reducing opportunities for certain types of crime. Shoplifting’s 139% above UK average rate highlights a specific vulnerability, likely tied to local retail infrastructure and the proximity of larger urban centres like Eastleigh, which could draw repeat offenders.

In April 2024, Bursledon’s crime rate of 6.3 per 1,000 residents marked a 20.0% decrease from the previous month’s 7.9 per 1,000. This decline aligns with the seasonal shift from early spring to mid-spring, a period often associated with reduced outdoor activity and fewer public gatherings. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one reported crime per day, a figure that translates to roughly one in every 158 residents encountering a crime over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides a tangible sense of risk for residents, highlighting that while crime remains a concern, it is relatively low compared to national averages. The population context further underscores this: with 6,971 residents, the area’s small size means that even minor fluctuations in crime numbers can have a noticeable impact on local statistics. This interplay between population density and crime reporting ensures that residents are acutely aware of local safety trends, even as broader national comparisons suggest Bursledon remains safer than the UK average.