Fareham Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Fareham's January 2024 crime rate of 4.6 per 1,000 residents marked a 10.9% increase from December 2023.8% below the UK average of 7.4. The most significant rise occurred in drug-related offences, which surged by 100% compared to the previous month, suggesting emerging local challenges. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 45.8% of all reported crimes, consistent with patterns in urban centres where social services and housing pressures often intersect with criminal activity. Seasonal factors may play a role: post-holiday periods typically see shifts in crime types, with reduced retail footfall potentially driving increases in indoor drug use and associated offences. Public order crimes, however, fell 17% below the UK average, reflecting the area's generally orderly community environment. While shoplifting rates remained stable at 0.6 per 1,000 (5% above the UK average), the overall crime profile indicates a combination of local demographics and broader national trends. The relatively low burglary and vehicle crime rates—72% and 60% below the UK average, respectively—suggest effective community policing strategies in residential areas, though the rise in drug-related incidents deserves closer attention from local authorities.

Drug-related crimes saw a stark 100% increase in January 2024, rising from 5 to 10 incidents—a figure that may reflect seasonal shifts in illicit activity or pressure on local support services. Bicycle theft also rose sharply by 66.7%, with five reported incidents, potentially linked to increased winter cycling activity or vulnerabilities in bike storage infrastructure. In contrast, possession of weapons fell by 60%, from 5 to 2 cases, indicating possible success in targeted policing efforts. Violence and sexual offences remained the dominant category, though they were 19% below the UK average, a discrepancy that may reflect Fareham's relatively safe urban environment compared to more densely populated areas. Other notable trends include a 50% rise in 'other crime' incidents, which could encompass a range of unclassified offences requiring further investigation. These shifts highlight the need for residents to remain vigilant, particularly regarding drug-related activity and vehicle security, while the overall crime rate still positions Fareham as a comparatively safe area within the UK.

Fareham's January 2024 crime rate of 4.6 per 1,000 residents represents a 10.9% increase from December 2023's 4.1 rate, though it remains significantly below the UK average. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 218 residents, a figure that contextualises the risk in terms of local population density. Daily crime activity averaged 17 incidents, a manageable figure by UK standards but one that underscores the importance of community awareness. When compared to the UK average, Fareham's violent crime rate (2.1 per 1,000) was 19% lower, a reflection of its urban character and likely effective policing in high-risk areas. However, the sharp rise in drug-related crimes contrasts with the area's generally low rates for burglary (72% below UK average) and vehicle crime (60% below UK average), suggesting targeted interventions may be needed. The 1-in-218 resident exposure figure, while low, serves as a reminder that even small increases in specific crime categories can have disproportionate local impacts. This comparative analysis highlights both the strengths of Fareham's crime prevention efforts and the emerging challenges that require attention.