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

Lee-on-the-Solent's crime rate in August 2024 stood at 3.8 per 1,000 residents, placing it 53.7% below the UK average of 8.2. This marked improvement follows a challenging summer season, with local authorities noting sustained efforts in community engagement and police presence. The area's crime profile reflects its character as a coastal town with a mix of residential and commercial activity, though the overall rate remains significantly lower than national benchmarks. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 28.6% of all reported crimes, followed by shoplifting (21.4%) and anti-social behaviour (20.4%). These figures align with seasonal patterns observed in coastal areas during August, when increased tourism and holiday activity often correlate with higher rates of public order offences and retail crime. The low burglary rate (2.0%) and near-absent vehicle crime (1.0%) suggest that the built-up area's design and police patrols may be effectively deterring property crimes. However, the seasonal context of August—peak holiday month—presents a paradox: while overall crime remains low, specific categories like shoplifting and anti-social behaviour show spikes linked to transient populations and increased foot traffic. This dynamic highlights the combination of local geography, seasonal rhythms, and law enforcement strategies in maintaining public safety.

August 2024 saw a dramatic 425% increase in shoplifting cases, rising from 4 to 21 incidents. This surge, though significant, remains below the UK average of 0.7 per 1,000 residents. Conversely, other crime categories showed marked declines, with 'other crime' falling by 83.3% (from 6 to 1) and vehicle crime dropping by 50% (from 2 to 1). The balance between property and violent crime shifted slightly, with violent crimes (28) accounting for 28.6% of total reports, while property crimes (36) comprised the remaining 36.7%. This distribution suggests that while retail-focused crimes remain a challenge, the area's overall safety profile continues to outperform national averages. Violence and sexual offences in Lee-on-the-Solent were 59% below the UK average (1.1 vs 2.7 per 1,000), a figure that may reflect the town's relatively low population density and strong community policing initiatives. Residents may find the 1-in-264 resident monthly exposure rate particularly relevant, illustrating the rarity of crime in daily life despite seasonal fluctuations.

The crime rate in August 2024 (3.8 per 1,000) marked a 13.3% decrease from July's 4.4, reflecting a sustained downward trend. This improvement positions Lee-on-the-Solent as one of the UK's safest built-up areas, with daily crime activity averaging just 3 incidents per day across 31 days. When contextualised by population, the 25,870 residents faced a 1-in-264 chance of experiencing a crime during the month—a figure that underscores the area's relative safety compared to national averages. The previous month's rate of 4.4 per 1,000, while still below the UK average, highlights the consistent progress made in recent months. This reduction is particularly notable given August's peak tourism season, which typically correlates with higher crime rates in coastal areas. The local population's low exposure to crime—far below the UK's 1-in-120 monthly rate—suggests effective crime prevention measures are in place, including targeted patrols in high-traffic areas and community-led initiatives. However, the sharp rise in shoplifting cases (21 incidents) indicates that transient populations may still present challenges for local authorities, requiring adaptive strategies to address seasonal vulnerabilities without compromising the area's overall safety record.