Lee-on-the-Solent Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Lee-on-the-Solent’s crime rate in April 2024 stood at 3.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 55.8% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This figure reflects a built-up area with a relatively low crime profile, characterised by a mix of residential and commercial activity typical of coastal towns. The most common crimes reported were violence and sexual offences (29.9% of all incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (20.7%) and shoplifting (12.6%). These patterns align with the area’s geography, where high foot traffic in retail zones may contribute to shoplifting, while the proximity to leisure and hospitality venues could explain the prevalence of violence and sexual offences. Seasonal factors also appear to influence the crime profile, as the Easter period and spring weather likely drove increased outdoor activity, which may have both heightened opportunities for crime and prompted greater community engagement. The area’s crime rate is also significantly lower than the UK average for several categories, including violence and sexual offences (61% below) and anti-social behaviour (43% below), suggesting a combination of local policing efforts and demographic characteristics that contribute to its safer profile. However, the 150% increase in criminal damage and arson raises questions about the underlying causes, which may require further analysis to address.

April 2024 saw the most dramatic month-on-month swing in criminal damage and arson, which rose by 150% from 2 to 5 incidents. This spike, coupled with a 100% increase in theft from the person and robbery, highlights a shift in the types of crime occurring in the area. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences fell by 35%, from 40 to 26 incidents, a decrease that may reflect seasonal patterns or targeted interventions. The category of drugs experienced a 60% drop, from 5 to 2 incidents, suggesting a possible reduction in illicit activity during the Easter period. These changes underscore a combination of seasonal factors and local dynamics, with the area’s crime profile showing both concerning spikes and encouraging declines. For residents, the 150% rise in criminal damage and arson is a stark reminder that even low-crime areas can experience sudden increases in specific crime types.

Lee-on-the-Solent's crime rate fell by 16.4% in April 2024 compared to March 2024, dropping from 4.0 to 3.4 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with a broader trend observed in the built-up area, where daily crime activity averaged three incidents per day over the month. For residents, this translates to a monthly exposure rate of one reported crime for every 297 people, a figure that contextualises the low frequency of incidents relative to the population size. The reduction in overall crime is consistent with seasonal patterns, as the transition from winter to spring typically correlates with decreased outdoor activity and fewer opportunities for certain types of crime. However, the drop in violence and sexual offences by 35% suggests a potential shift in policing strategies or community engagement efforts, though further data would be needed to confirm this hypothesis. The area’s relatively low crime rate compared to the UK average underscores its status as a safer built-up area, particularly when considering the significant declines in property-related crimes such as vehicle crime and shoplifting.