Gosport Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

October 2024 saw Gosport's overall crime rate at 7.8 per 1,000 residents, 3.7% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This figure reflects a persistent pattern of lower-than-average crime levels in the coastal town, which has historically maintained a relatively safe environment compared to other UK areas. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 44.4% of all reported incidents—a share significantly higher than the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour followed at 11.2%, while criminal damage and arson made up 9.9% of the total. These patterns align with Gosport's character as a commuter town with a mix of residential and industrial areas, where public spaces and community events may contribute to higher rates of anti-social behaviour. Seasonal factors also played a role, with the clocks going back and darker evenings likely influencing crime trends. The rise in violent offences may be connected to increased foot traffic in local areas during the autumn, while the lower-than-average rates for vehicle crime and burglary could reflect effective policing in key locations such as car parks and commercial zones. The data also shows a 17% deficit in shoplifting rates compared to the UK average, due to the town's smaller retail presence relative to larger urban centres. As the month progressed, the combination of Halloween-related activity and changing daylight hours may have created conditions that both amplified certain types of crime and provided opportunities for law enforcement to intervene. These findings underscore the importance of contextualising crime data within both local and national frameworks, ensuring that residents and policymakers understand the nuances behind the numbers.

The most dramatic month-on-month change occurred in drug-related offences, which surged by 100% from 9 to 18 incidents. This jump far outpaces other categories, including a 56.1% rise in criminal damage and arson. Such increases may reflect seasonal factors, with Halloween and darker evenings potentially amplifying illicit activity. Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 50%, from 10 to 5, and burglary dropped 42.3%, from 26 to 15—a shift that could signal improved community safety measures or seasonal changes in criminal opportunity. Violent crimes remain a stark concern, with 286 incidents (44.4% of total crimes) in October, 31% above the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour, however, fell 30% below the UK average, with 72 incidents reported. Residents should note that vehicle crime rates in Gosport are 36% below the UK average, a consistent trend that may be linked to the area's lower population density and specific local infrastructure.

Gosport's crime rate in October 2024 rose 3.5% from the previous month, climbing to 7.8 per 1,000 residents from 7.5 per 1,000. This equates to roughly 21 crimes reported each day across the local authority district, maintaining a consistent rhythm with recent months despite the upward trend. Over the course of October, one reported crime occurred for every 129 residents—a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for residents. While this rate remains 3.7% below the UK average, the shift from September to October highlights seasonal fluctuations. The local population of 82,921 means that even small percentage changes translate to hundreds of additional crimes. This daily crime count, while not directly comparable to national figures, offers residents a tangible sense of frequency. The rise in violent crimes and property crimes suggests a need for ongoing community vigilance, particularly as darker evenings and seasonal events like Halloween may influence crime patterns in the coming weeks.