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

Lee-on-the-Solent’s crime rate in February 2024 stood at 4.7 per 1,000, placing it 33.8% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This performance aligns with the area’s character as a built-up coastal community within Fareham, where lower crime rates are often observed compared to larger urban centres. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 33.6% of all reported incidents (41 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (29 cases). This distribution reflects a combination of local demographics and geography, with the area’s compact urban layout potentially contributing to higher concentrations of certain crimes. Seasonal factors may also play a role, as February’s low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull could influence patterns of behaviour and crime reporting. While the overall rate remains significantly below the UK average, the composition of crimes—particularly the sharp rise in public order offences and the 250% increase in criminal damage and arson—highlights the need for targeted interventions. These trends contrast with the UK-wide profile, where violence and sexual offences typically account for a higher proportion of reported crimes, suggesting that Lee-on-the-Solent’s crime profile may be shaped by unique local dynamics. The area’s lower crime burden compared to the UK average could also be attributed to its relatively small population and limited commercial density, which may reduce opportunities for certain types of crime. However, the spike in non-violent but disruptive incidents, such as public order offences, indicates that community-focused policing strategies may need to be adapted to address emerging challenges. These findings underscore the importance of contextualising local crime data within both national trends and the specific characteristics of the area.

February saw a stark increase in criminal damage and arson, jumping from 2 to 7 incidents—a 250% rise—while other theft also rose sharply by 166.7% (3 to 8). Public order offences surged by 133.3%, reflecting a shift in the crime mix toward non-violent but disruptive incidents. Meanwhile, shoplifting decreased by 16.7% (from 12 to 10), and vehicle crime dropped 66.7% (from 3 to 1), suggesting potential changes in local activity patterns. Violence and sexual offences remained 36% below the UK average, consistent with the area’s overall lower crime rate. However, other crime categories—such as 'other crime'—were 43% above the UK average, indicating pockets of activity that warrant closer attention. These shifts may be influenced by seasonal factors, such as reduced outdoor activity and the pre-spring lull from the data.

Lee-on-the-Solent’s crime rate in February 2024 rose to 4.7 per 1,000, a 47% increase from the previous month’s 3.2 per 1,000. This upward trend, though modest in absolute terms, underscores the dynamic nature of local crime patterns. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately four crimes per day—a figure that aligns with typical winter-month trends in built-up coastal communities, where reduced outdoor activity may concentrate crime in indoor or densely populated spaces. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 212 residents, a metric that contextualises the scale of incidents within the local population. With 25,870 residents, Lee-on-the-Solent’s lower overall crime burden compared to the UK average (33.8% below) suggests a combination of socioeconomic factors, such as a stable housing market and limited commercial density, which may contribute to a more predictable crime environment. However, the month-on-month rise indicates the need for continued vigilance, particularly as seasonal transitions may influence patterns of activity and reporting.