Hawkinge Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile in Hawkinge during May 2025 reveals a distinct balance between violent and property-related offences, shaped by seasonal and local factors. With a total crime rate of 7.7 per 1,000 residents, the area remains 4.9% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This mixed landscape is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 40% of all crimes reported, followed by anti-social behaviour (26.2%) and criminal damage and arson (9.2%). The dominance of violent crimes contrasts with the UK average, where such offences typically represent a smaller share. This shift may be influenced by the transition into warmer weather, which historically correlates with increased outdoor socialising and alcohol consumption in built-up areas like Hawkinge. The sharp rise in violence and sexual offences—doubling from 13 to 26 cases compared to April—suggests a possible link to extended evenings and bank holidays, which can alter local routines and increase opportunities for such crimes. Meanwhile, shoplifting and public order offences remain lower than the UK average, potentially reflecting the area's smaller retail footprint or community policing efforts. The data also highlights a marked increase in drug-related crimes, which are 114% above the UK average, indicating a potential need for targeted interventions in this category. These patterns underscore the combination of local demographics, seasonal rhythms, and policing strategies in shaping Hawkinge's crime picture.

May 2025 saw significant month-on-month changes in Hawkinge's crime profile, with violence and sexual offences surging by 100% to 26 cases—the highest category by far. This jump, from 13 to 26, aligns with the seasonal context of longer evenings and bank holidays, which may contribute to increased social interactions in public spaces. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 70%, reaching 17 incidents, a figure 41% above the UK average. This could reflect heightened tensions during the transition into warmer weather or the impact of specific events. Conversely, public order offences fell by two-thirds, and burglary dropped by half, suggesting that some areas may have seen reduced opportunities for such crimes. Drug-related crimes, which are 114% above the UK average, also rose sharply, though this category was previously absent in April. Residents may find the 1-in-131 resident monthly exposure rate (based on 65 crimes across 8,492 residents) a useful indicator of their personal risk. Shoplifting remained 70% below the UK average, due to the area's limited retail density compared to larger urban centres. These shifts highlight both emerging challenges and areas where Hawkinge's crime profile diverges from national trends.

Hawkinge's crime rate in May 2025 (7.7 per 1,000) represents a 58.4% increase compared to April's rate of 4.8 per 1,000, marking a significant upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 2 crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that may feel more tangible to residents than aggregate statistics. When scaled to the local population, this translates to one reported crime occurring for roughly every 131 residents during the month—a rate that, while higher than April, remains below the UK average. The population context is critical here: with 8,492 residents, Hawkinge's small size means that even minor fluctuations in crime numbers can have a pronounced effect on local statistics. For instance, the 100% increase in violence and sexual offences from 13 to 26 cases in May would be particularly notable in a community of this size. The monthly exposure rate of 1-in-131 also provides a more relatable measure than the UK-wide averages, which are often diluted by larger urban populations. This comparison underscores the importance of contextualising crime data within the specific demographics and geography of Hawkinge, where even modest changes can have a tangible impact on residents' perceptions of safety.