Hawkinge Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences in Hawkinge remained 22.5% below the UK average in September 2023, with a rate of 2.2 per 1,000 residents. This marked contrast to the area’s 27% above UK average for anti-social behaviour (1.7 per 1,000) highlights a combination of local dynamics. The overall crime rate of 6.2 per 1,000 residents reflects a 22.5% deficit compared to the national average of 8.0, a figure consistent with Hawkinge’s status as a relatively low-density built-up area within Folkestone and Hythe. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 35.9% of total crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (26.4%) and other theft (13.2%). These patterns may partly explain the area’s lower violent crime rate, potentially influenced by its seasonal context: September, with the return of students and the transition to darker evenings, could have dampened opportunities for more severe crimes. However, the significant rise in anti-social behaviour, despite a modest 6.7% drop in its absolute count, suggests ongoing challenges in managing public order, linked to the influx of new residents or transient populations. The relatively low burglary rate (0.4 per 1,000) and vehicle crime rate (0.2 per 1,000) further align with Hawkinge’s character as an area where property crimes are less prevalent than in larger urban centres, though the 25% above UK average for burglary indicates specific vulnerabilities, such as targeted thefts in residential zones. This month’s data underscores the importance of contextualising crime trends within both national benchmarks and local seasonal rhythms.

September 2023 saw a 200% surge in burglary, jumping from one to three incidents, while other theft increased by 133.3% (from three to seven). These spikes, though still low in absolute terms, may reflect seasonal factors such as the return of students or increased property visibility in certain areas. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 62.5% (from eight to three), possibly linked to the end of the summer holiday season and reduced outdoor activity. The area’s anti-social behaviour rate, 27% above the UK average, contrasts sharply with its violence rate, which was 20% below the national average. This divergence could indicate that Hawkinge’s community dynamics—shaped by its proximity to coastal areas and transient populations—favour lower levels of severe violence but struggle with managing nuisance crimes. For residents, the daily crime count of two incidents (53 crimes over 30 days) offers a tangible measure of risk, though the monthly exposure of one crime per 160 residents remains relatively low compared to larger urban areas. The 100% increase in ‘other crime’ (from zero to one incident) highlights the need for vigilance in addressing emerging or rare categories, such as white-collar offences or administrative violations.

Hawkinge’s crime rate in September 2023 (6.2 per 1,000) marked an 8.6% decline from the previous month’s rate of 6.8 per 1,000, a trend consistent with the season’s transition from summer to autumn. This decrease aligns with the typical dip in crime rates during this period, as schools resume and outdoor activity shifts indoors. The daily crime count of two incidents provides a local benchmark: over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 160 residents, a figure that, while not negligible, is significantly lower than the UK average. When scaled to Hawkinge’s population of 8,492, this means 53 crimes were reported—a rate that, at 6.2 per 1,000, is 22.5% below the UK’s 8.0 per 1,000. This disparity underscores Hawkinge’s position as a relatively safe area compared to the national average, though localised challenges—such as the 27% above UK average for anti-social behaviour—suggest that certain communities within the area may face higher risks. The 1-in-160 resident monthly exposure figure, while low, serves as a reminder that even modest crime rates can translate to real-world impacts for individuals, particularly in areas where anti-social behaviour or other thefts are concentrated.