Fareham Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Fareham's crime rate in February 2024 remained 38% below the UK average, standing at 4.4 per 1,000 residents. This figure, while lower than the national benchmark, reflects a combination of local factors and seasonal trends. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 39.1% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (12.6%) and shoplifting (11.6%). The winter months often see a reduction in outdoor activity, which may partially explain the relatively low overall crime rate. However, the persistence of violent crime suggests that targeted interventions in high-risk areas—such as town centres and public transport hubs—remain critical. Anti-social behaviour, which rose sharply in February, may be influenced by the post-Christmas period, when social interactions in public spaces increase. Shoplifting, typically associated with high-footfall retail areas, saw a modest decline, linked to reduced consumer activity during the winter. The area's crime profile contrasts with the UK average in several categories: violence and sexual offences are 32% below the national rate, while anti-social behaviour is 43% below. These disparities highlight the unique characteristics of Fareham, a commuter town with a mix of residential and commercial zones that likely shape its distinct crime patterns. The seasonal context of February—a pre-spring lull—may also contribute to the observed trends, with lower outdoor activity reducing opportunities for certain types of crime. However, the continued presence of violent offences underscores the need for community-focused policing strategies that address localised issues.

February 2024 saw a 64.1% increase in anti-social behaviour, rising from 39 to 64 incidents. This sharp rise may be linked to the post-holiday period, when social interactions in public spaces intensify. Conversely, public order offences fell by 25.5%, aligning with the reduced outdoor activity typical of winter months. Violent crimes also decreased by 17.8%, a trend consistent with the pre-spring lull in social gatherings. Shoplifting, a major concern in retail areas, dropped by 13.2%, potentially reflecting lower foot traffic during the winter season. Possession of weapons increased by 100%, a stark shift that may warrant closer scrutiny of local enforcement patterns. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of crime in Fareham, where seasonal rhythms and localised factors can drive significant month-on-month variations.

Fareham's crime rate in February 2024 dropped slightly to 4.4 per 1,000 residents, a 3.7% decrease from the previous month's 4.6 per 1,000. This small decline aligns with the seasonal context of February as a pre-spring lull, when outdoor activity and retail footfall typically wane. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately 18 crimes reported each day in February, a figure that, while modest, reflects the persistent presence of localised issues. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 227 residents, a ratio that underscores the relatively low risk profile of Fareham compared to the UK average. This statistic, however, does not diminish the importance of addressing specific crime types that remain elevated, such as violence and sexual offences, which continue to account for nearly 40% of all recorded incidents. The interplay between seasonal trends and local demographics—such as the presence of commuter hubs and retail centres—likely contributes to the area's distinct crime pattern, which differs from the broader UK context.