Waterlooville Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

July 2024 saw a sharp and unexpected rise in burglary in Waterlooville, a Built-Up Area within Havant, marking a 350% increase from June. This surge, which pushed burglary cases to 9 from 2, contrasts with a broader trend of declining property crime rates across other categories. The overall crime rate for the month stood at 5.7 per 1,000 residents, 32.1% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. Violence and sexual offences remained the most frequently reported crime type, accounting for 41.4% of all incidents, though their rate was 16% below the UK average. This data aligns with Waterlooville’s character as a mixed-use area with a blend of residential and commercial zones, where seasonal factors like summer festivals and extended daylight hours may influence crime patterns. Public order offences, however, rose to 0.9 per 1,000—41% above the UK average—potentially linked to increased social activity during the summer. The month-on-month changes highlight a paradox: while overall crime remains below the UK average, specific categories like burglary show dramatic fluctuations. Seasonal context, including the peak of tourist season and school holidays, likely plays a role in these shifts, though the exact drivers of the burglary spike remain unclear. The data also reveals a stark contrast between property crime trends, with shoplifting rising while vehicle crime and other thefts fell, suggesting varied influences on different crime types. As a commuter hub and retail centre, Waterlooville’s crime profile reflects a combination of local dynamics and broader national patterns, with the July figures underscoring the need for continued monitoring of emerging trends.

The most striking shift in July 2024 was the 350% increase in burglary, rising from 2 to 9 incidents—a jump that defies typical seasonal patterns. This surge occurred despite a general decline in property crime categories, with shoplifting also rising by 54.5% (11 to 17 cases). Meanwhile, other theft fell by 50% (from 10 to 5), and vehicle crime dropped by 37.5% (8 to 5), suggesting a complex mix of factors affecting different crime types. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, accounting for 41.4% of all crimes, but their rate was 16% below the UK average (2.4 vs 2.9 per 1,000). Public order offences, however, stood out as 41% above the UK average (0.9 vs 0.6 per 1,000), a discrepancy that may reflect the impact of summer festivals and increased foot traffic in public spaces. Residents may find the 350% burglary increase particularly concerning, as it contrasts sharply with declines in other property-related crimes.

Waterlooville’s crime rate in July 2024 rose by 6.5% compared to June, moving from 5.4 to 5.7 per 1,000 residents. This slight upward trend contrasts with the broader monthly context: over the course of July, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 175 residents. While this figure is a local monthly aggregate and not directly comparable to UK-wide data, it provides a tangible sense of exposure for residents. On a daily basis, 6 crimes were recorded across 31 days, averaging just under two incidents per day. This rate remains lower than the UK average, which stands at 8.4 per 1,000. The population of 34,696 further contextualises the scale, showing that the 198 total crimes reported represent a manageable proportion of the community. However, the 6.5% increase from June warrants scrutiny, particularly as it occurred alongside seasonal factors like festivals and extended daylight hours, which may influence both crime patterns and reporting behaviours.