Havant Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Havant's crime rate of 7.0 per 1,000 residents in April 2024 places it 9.1% below the UK average of 7.7, marking a consistent performance relative to national trends. This coastal town, with its mix of urban and suburban areas, recorded 887 crimes over the month, with violence and sexual offences dominating the crime profile at 41.8% of the total. The seasonal context of April—Easter holidays and spring weather—likely influenced activity patterns, with increased foot traffic in town centres and outdoor spaces potentially contributing to higher incidents of public order offences (9.6%) and anti-social behaviour (11.3%). The rate of violence and sexual offences in Havant (2.9 per 1,000) exceeded the UK average by 13%, a figure that may reflect the area's social dynamics and the proximity of local amenities that draw larger crowds during peak holiday periods. Conversely, anti-social behaviour rates were 34% below the UK average, indicating effective community policing or lower population density in certain areas. The crime mix shows a pronounced focus on violent crime over property crime, with 41.8% of all reported incidents falling into the violence category compared to 31.6% for property crimes, a balance that diverges from the UK average where property crimes typically dominate. This divergence could be attributed to Havant's role as a commuter town with a mix of residential and commercial zones, where interpersonal conflicts may be more prevalent than theft-related incidents. The seasonal transition into spring may also have encouraged more outdoor activity, increasing opportunities for confrontations in public spaces.

April 2024 saw a striking 500% increase in theft from the person, rising from 1 to 6 incidents—a figure that would be of particular concern for local residents. Bicycle theft also surged by 200%, with six reported cases compared to two in March, a sharp rise that may reflect the start of the cycling season and increased outdoor activity. Possession of weapons rose by 142.9%, from seven to 17 incidents, a spike that could signal shifting patterns in local crime dynamics. Meanwhile, shoplifting declined by 26.8% compared to March, dropping from 97 to 71 cases, due to heightened security measures in retail areas or seasonal changes in shopping behaviour. Public order offences fell by 9.6%, from 94 to 85, and violence and sexual offences decreased by 7.7%, from 402 to 371, suggesting a temporary moderation in some crime categories. Havant’s rate of violence and sexual offences (2.9 per 1,000) is 13% above the UK average, a disparity that may be linked to the town’s proximity to larger urban centres where such incidents are more frequently reported. Conversely, anti-social behaviour remains 34% below the UK average, with 0.8 per 1,000 residents compared to the national rate of 1.2. Vehicle crime, at 0.3 per 1,000, is 36% below the UK average, reflecting Havant’s lower density of car parks and parking areas compared to major cities. These contrasting trends highlight the complexity of local crime patterns, where specific factors such as community policing efforts, local infrastructure, and seasonal activity may play significant roles.

Havant’s crime rate in April 2024 (7.0 per 1,000) remained stable compared to the previous month, with a -1.1% decrease from March’s rate of 7.1. This minor fluctuation suggests a broadly consistent crime environment over the two-month period. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 30 crimes per day, a figure that, while seemingly high, must be contextualised within Havant’s population of 126,985. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 143 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average if comparable figures were available. This statistic illustrates the relative safety of the area compared to national benchmarks, though it should not be interpreted as an absolute measure of security. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Havant’s crime profile is spread across a larger community, diluting the impact of individual incidents. For example, the 371 reported cases of violence and sexual offences in April translate to 2.9 per 1,000 residents, a rate that, while higher than the UK average for this category, is still relatively low when considered alongside the town’s overall population. The stability in the crime rate—despite significant fluctuations in specific categories—suggests that broader systemic factors, such as policing strategies or community engagement initiatives, may be maintaining a baseline level of crime prevention. Residents should note that while the overall rate is low, certain areas or times of day may experience higher concentrations of specific crimes, necessitating continued awareness and localised safety measures.