Lee-on-the-Solent Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Lee-on-the-Solent’s crime rate in April 2023 stood at 3.9 per 1,000 residents, a figure 48% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This performance highlights the area’s consistent safety record, despite a slight upward trend in overall crime. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 48.5% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (10.9%) and other theft (10.9%). These rates are significantly lower than UK averages, with violence and sexual offences 27% below the national benchmark and anti-social behaviour 66% below. The seasonal context of April—marked by Easter celebrations and springtime outdoor activity—likely contributed to the prominence of violent crimes, as increased public interaction and alcohol consumption in social settings may heighten tensions. However, the area’s low property crime rate, particularly in shoplifting (58% below UK average), suggests effective retail security measures or reduced foot traffic during the Easter period. The balance between violent and property crime remains skewed toward violence, a trend consistent with coastal towns where community dynamics and tourism patterns influence local crime profiles. Despite the rise in burglary and weapon possession, Lee-on-the-Solent’s overall crime rate remains a testament to its relatively safe environment, though localized factors such as seasonal transitions may warrant ongoing monitoring.

April 2023 saw a dramatic 100% increase in burglary cases, rising from three to six incidents, marking the most significant month-on-month swing in the area. This surge, though still below the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000, raises questions about potential seasonal factors, such as increased home occupancy during Easter or changes in property security practices. Concurrently, possession of weapons rose by 100%, from one to two incidents, a category that is 43% above the UK average. This anomaly could indicate localized tensions or unreported incidents, though further data would be needed to confirm. Meanwhile, shoplifting fell by 45.5%, from 11 to six cases, aligning with the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000. This decline may reflect heightened retail security measures or reduced foot traffic during the Easter period, a seasonal factor common in coastal towns. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 57.1%, suggesting a shift in crime dynamics that warrants closer observation.

Lee-on-the-Solent's crime rate in April 2023 rose 6.3% from 3.7 to 3.9 per 1,000 residents compared to March, reflecting a slight upward trend. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately three crimes per day, a figure that remains low when compared to national averages. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 256 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the area's relatively low crime profile despite the increase. With a population of 25,870, this translates to a manageable scale of incidents, suggesting that local policing efforts and community engagement may be effectively mitigating broader risks. The modest rise contrasts with the UK average, where crime rates typically show more pronounced fluctuations, highlighting the area’s consistent performance in maintaining public safety.