Freshwater and Totland Crime Rate March 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile of Freshwater and Totland in March 2023 reveals a marked emphasis on violent crimes, which accounted for 52.2% of all reported incidents—far exceeding the proportion of property crimes (15.2%) and other categories. This stark imbalance contrasts with the UK average, where violence and sexual offences constitute 2.7 per 1,000 (2.8 per 1,000 in this area, 2% above the UK figure), while property crimes dominate nationally. The overall crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 is 30.3% below the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000, suggesting a generally safer environment despite the high share of violent crimes. The seasonal transition to spring, with longer evenings, may influence the timing of incidents. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences are significantly below UK averages, potentially reflecting a community with lower levels of disorder. The low rates of burglary (0.3 per 1,000, 9% below UK) and vehicle crime (0.1 per 1,000, 79% below UK) indicate a relatively secure built-up area, though the prominence of violent crimes may require targeted local strategies. This mix of crime types suggests a focus on interpersonal conflicts, linked to local social dynamics or the area's character as a coastal resort with transient populations.

The crime mix in March 2023 highlights a striking dominance of violent crimes, which constituted over half of all incidents, compared to a UK average where property crimes typically lead. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences were 23% and 53% below UK averages, respectively, pointing to a community with lower levels of disorder. Violence and sexual offences, though only 2% above the UK rate (2.8 vs 2.7 per 1,000), accounted for the largest share of crimes, potentially reflecting local factors such as transient populations or seasonal events. Property crimes, particularly burglary (6.5 per 1,000, 9% below UK) and vehicle crime (0.1 per 1,000, 79% below UK), were underrepresented, which may align with the area's character as a low-density built-up area with fewer commercial targets. Residents might find it useful to note that theft from the person and shoplifting were 66% and 80% below UK averages, respectively, suggesting a lower risk of petty theft compared to the national picture. These patterns illustrate a unique crime profile shaped by the area's geography and seasonal rhythms.

Freshwater and Totland's crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 is 30.3% below the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000, placing it among the safer areas nationally. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly 1 crime per day in March 2023, a local figure that does not directly compare to UK-wide daily averages. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 189 residents—a monthly aggregate that underscores the low frequency of incidents in this built-up area. With a population of 8,705, the monthly exposure to crime (1 in 189 residents) is significantly lower than the UK average, which would equate to a higher proportion of residents experiencing crime. This comparative safety is particularly notable given the high share of violent crimes, which may indicate effective community engagement or local initiatives that mitigate property crime. The area's lower rates of anti-social behaviour (23% below UK) and public order offences (53% below UK) further reinforce its distinctiveness compared to the national profile. These figures suggest that while the area faces challenges with interpersonal violence, its overall crime environment is markedly safer than the UK average, possibly due to its coastal setting and transient population dynamics.