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

Lee-on-the-Solent's crime rate in September 2023 stood at 4.9 per 1,000 residents, 38.7% below the UK average of 8.0. This figure, while significantly lower than national levels, masks a troubling trend in violent crime, which accounted for 43.7% of all reported incidents. Violence and sexual offences rose sharply, driven by the seasonal context of back-to-school and university freshers’ week, which may have contributed to increased social activity and associated risks. Anti-social behaviour remained the second most common crime type, reflecting a 23.8% share of total incidents and a 10% deficit compared to the UK average. Public order offences also saw a marked increase, potentially linked to the changing light and cooler temperatures of late September, which often correlate with altered patterns of public behaviour. These shifts in crime type highlight the interplay between local demographics and seasonal factors, with the area’s built-up character likely influencing the types of offences reported. While property crime remained relatively low—accounting for only 19.8% of total incidents—the rise in violent crime underscores the need for targeted community engagement and policing strategies. The overall crime rate, though lower than the UK average, shows a marked increase from August, indicating that local conditions and seasonal transitions play a critical role in shaping the area’s crime profile.

September 2023 saw a dramatic 139.1% increase in violence and sexual offences, with incidents rising from 23 to 55. This surge, which outpaces the UK average by 23%, may be linked to the return of students and the start of the academic year, which often coincides with heightened social activity. Public order offences also rose sharply by 85.7%, reflecting a 10.3% share of total crimes and a 19% deficit compared to the UK average. Meanwhile, other crime categories, such as vehicle crime, fell by 66.7%—a drop from three to one incident—suggesting a possible shift in criminal focus toward more immediate, high-impact activities. Residents should be particularly vigilant regarding the surge in violent crime, which now accounts for 43.7% of all reported incidents, a figure that underscores the urgency of community awareness and local policing efforts.

Lee-on-the-Solent's crime rate in September 2023 rose by 35.7% compared to the previous month, marking a notable upward trend. The monthly figure of 4.9 crimes per 1,000 residents translates to roughly four crimes reported every day in the built-up area, a rate that, while significantly lower than the UK average, shows a sharp increase from August. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 205 residents, a statistic that underscores the frequency of incidents in a relatively small population. This monthly exposure figure, when contextualised against the area’s population of 25,870, highlights the proportion of residents affected by crime each month. The increase in violent crime, in particular, contrasts with declines in vehicle crime and burglary, suggesting shifting patterns that may reflect seasonal or local factors. These changes warrant attention from residents and local authorities as they navigate the implications for community safety.