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

Lee-on-the-Solent’s crime profile in July 2023 revealed a stark contrast to the UK average, with an overall crime rate of 4.3 per 1,000 residents—48.2% below the national figure of 8.3. This disparity underscores the area’s unique characteristics, shaped by its coastal location and relatively low population density. Violence and sexual offences, the most frequently reported category (29.7% of total crimes), remained 53% below the UK average, a reflection of the area’s community-focused environment and possibly lower levels of urban density compared to larger cities. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, accounting for 19.8% of reported crimes and 37% below the UK average, suggesting that local policing and community engagement efforts may be effective in mitigating disruptive incidents. Shoplifting, the third most common category (14.4% of total crimes), mirrored the UK average rate, indicating that retail crime is neither high nor low in this area. Seasonal factors likely influenced these patterns: July, a peak month for tourism and summer festivals, may have driven increased police visibility and community vigilance, while the absence of school holidays could have reduced opportunities for certain crimes. However, the surge in drug-related incidents (200% increase from June) raises questions about local drug use trends during the summer months, linked to increased visitor numbers or shifts in enforcement priorities. These figures illustrate a relatively safe area with pockets of activity that warrant continued monitoring, particularly as the summer season progresses and tourism peaks.

July 2023 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with drug-related incidents surging by 200% compared to the previous month, rising from one to three reported cases. This increase, while modest in absolute terms, may reflect heightened summer activity or changes in local demographics. Conversely, bicycle theft fell sharply by 66.7%, from three to one incident, potentially linked to the summer holidays reducing opportunities for such crimes. The breakdown of crime types also reveals striking disparities: violence and sexual offences (33 incidents) accounted for nearly a third of all reported crimes, yet remained 53% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour (22 incidents) and shoplifting (16 incidents) followed closely, with both categories significantly underperforming compared to national benchmarks. Shoplifting matched the UK average rate (0.6 per 1,000), indicating that retail crime in Lee-on-the-Solent is neither unusually high nor low. These figures highlight a combination of local conditions and broader national trends, with the area’s coastal character and seasonal rhythms likely playing a role in shaping these outcomes.

Lee-on-the-Solent’s crime rate in July 2023 (4.3 per 1,000 residents) marked a 17.8% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 5.2 per 1,000. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns typical of coastal areas, where summer holidays and reduced foot traffic in retail zones may dampen opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately four crimes per day, a figure that, while low, reflects the small population of 25,870. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 233 residents—a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to the UK average. This statistic provides a tangible context for residents, illustrating that the likelihood of being directly affected by crime remains minimal. The population-scaled perspective further highlights the area’s safety profile, particularly when contrasted with the UK’s overall crime rate, which is nearly double. These figures suggest that Lee-on-the-Solent’s crime environment remains stable and manageable, with no sudden spikes or shifts that would signal emerging risks.