Lee-on-the-Solent Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Lee-on-the-Solent’s crime rate in January 2026 stood at 3.9 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 42.6% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This figure, while a notable increase from December’s 2.9, reflects a broader pattern of fluctuation in local crime trends. The breakdown of reported crimes reveals a combination of violent and property-related incidents, with violence and sexual offences comprising 43.1% of the total, followed by public order offences at 17.7%. This distribution highlights a significant portion of crimes involving interpersonal conflict, which, despite being 32% below the UK average for this category, remains a focal point for local law enforcement. Seasonal factors may have played a role in shaping these figures: January, as a post-holiday period, typically sees reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours, which can influence both the frequency and nature of crimes. For instance, the sharp decline in burglary—down 75% from December—may be attributed to these seasonal dynamics, as outdoor activities diminish and homes are less likely to be unoccupied. Conversely, the rise in shoplifting and public order offences could indicate a surge in opportunistic crimes during the early part of the year, driven by increased social interactions in public spaces or the lingering effects of holiday-related consumption. The area’s geographical context, as a built-up part of Fareham, may also contribute to its crime profile. Proximity to urban centres often correlates with higher rates of public disorder and property crime, though Lee-on-the-Solent’s figures remain well below the national average. This suggests that local initiatives, such as targeted policing or community engagement efforts, may be effective in mitigating crime risks. However, the month-on-month increase underscores the need for continued monitoring, particularly in addressing the spikes in shoplifting and public order offences, which could signal emerging challenges. The relatively low rate of violent crime, despite its high proportion of total incidents, indicates that while interpersonal violence is a persistent concern, it does not dominate the area’s crime profile to the same extent as in other parts of the UK. Residents, therefore, may find the 1-in-254 monthly exposure figure a useful metric for contextualizing their personal risk, even as local authorities work to address the specific drivers of the recent uptick in certain crime categories.

January 2026 witnessed dramatic spikes in shoplifting (+600%), public order offences (+350%), and possession of weapons (+100%) compared to December, reflecting a marked shift in crime dynamics. These increases, particularly in public order offences—67% above the UK average—suggest a potential link to local characteristics such as the area’s proximity to Fareham’s urban infrastructure, which may amplify disorder-related incidents. Conversely, burglary fell by 75% (from 4 to 1), aligning with seasonal patterns where shorter days and post-holiday lulls reduce opportunities for such crimes. The dominance of violence and sexual offences (43.1% of all crimes) contrasts with their 32% lower rate compared to the UK average, a discrepancy that may reflect the area’s demographics or policing focus. For residents, the 1-in-254 monthly exposure figure offers a tangible benchmark for assessing personal risk, particularly in relation to violent crime, which remains relatively low despite the overall increase.

Lee-on-the-Solent’s crime rate in January 2026 rose 37.8% from December’s 2.9 to 3.9 per 1,000 residents, marking a notable shift in local trends. Despite this increase, the area remains significantly safer than the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000, a gap that underscores the built-up area’s generally lower crime profile. Translating this into daily terms, the 102 reported crimes over 31 days equate to approximately three incidents per day—a rate that, while not negligible, remains far below the national average. On a population-scaled basis, the 1-in-254 monthly exposure figure highlights the manageability of crime in this community, particularly when contrasted with the UK’s broader context. With 25,870 residents, the total crimes represent a small fraction of the population, suggesting that systemic factors, such as local policing strategies or community engagement, may contribute to this relative safety. However, the month-on-month increase raises questions about localized pressures, such as seasonal transitions or temporary spikes in public activity, which warrant further scrutiny within the broader annual context.