Fareham Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Fareham's overall crime rate in May 2024 stood at 5.2 per 1,000 residents, marking a 38.1% reduction compared to the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This places the area significantly below national levels, reflecting a pattern consistent with similar coastal towns where community cohesion and local policing initiatives may contribute to lower rates. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 40.8% of all recorded incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (13.3%) and public order offences (9.8%). These figures align with seasonal trends observed in May, when extended daylight hours and warmer temperatures often lead to increased social activity in public spaces, potentially influencing crime patterns. While violent crime remains the dominant category, its rate (2.1 per 1,000) is 26% below the UK average, suggesting local factors such as robust community engagement or effective targeted interventions may be at play. Anti-social behaviour, though lower than the UK average, is notable for its high proportion of total crimes, linked to the area's mix of residential and commercial zones where noise complaints and disputes are common. The relatively low rates of property crimes, particularly shoplifting (38% below UK average) and vehicle crime (57% below UK average), may indicate successful retail security measures or a lower density of high-traffic commercial areas compared to larger urban centres. Seasonal context in May—characterised by longer evenings, bank holidays, and increased outdoor drinking—likely amplifies certain risks, though overall crime remains well below national benchmarks.

May 2024 saw significant month-on-month fluctuations, with 'Other crime' surging by 125% (8 to 18 incidents) and burglary increasing by 73.3% (15 to 26). This spike in 'Other crime'—a category encompassing a range of non-specific offences—may reflect underreported or newly classified incidents, though no definitive causal link is established. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 23.7% (59 to 45), potentially influenced by increased police patrols or seasonal shifts in retail activity. Anti-social behaviour also dropped by 13.2% (91 to 79), though this remains 52% below the UK average, suggesting sustained efforts in community engagement or environmental design. Violent crime, while the most common category, remains 26% below the UK average (2.1 vs 2.8 per 1,000), a disparity that may be attributed to Fareham's relatively stable demographic profile compared to more densely populated urban areas. Theft from the person rose by 66.7% (3 to 5), a figure that, while small in absolute terms, highlights the need for vigilance in public spaces during May's extended evenings. The data also reveals stark contrasts with national averages: drugs offences fell by 42.9% (14 to 8), and vehicle crime dropped by 57% below the UK rate, both suggesting effective local strategies in these areas.

Fareham's crime rate in May 2024 (5.2 per 1,000) marked a 4.0% increase from April's 5.0 per 1,000, though it remains well below the UK average. This translates to 19 crimes reported daily in the area—a figure that, while seemingly high, is tempered by Fareham's population of 115,428. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 194 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than many comparable towns. When contextualised against the UK's broader crime picture, Fareham's performance is striking: for instance, violence and sexual offences are 26% below the national average, and anti-social behaviour is 52% below. This suggests that local factors—such as community policing efforts, urban design, or demographic stability—may be playing a role in sustaining these lower rates. The population-scaled perspective is particularly useful for residents: with 1 in 194 residents experiencing a crime monthly, the risk is significantly lower than the UK average of 1 in 120. However, the 4% increase from April underscores the need for continued monitoring, particularly in areas where 'Other crime' and burglary have risen. These figures should be interpreted alongside broader regional trends, as Fareham's unique characteristics—such as its coastal location and mix of residential and commercial zones—may influence crime patterns in ways distinct from more urban or rural areas.