Freshwater and Totland Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Freshwater and Totland, a coastal built-up area on the Isle of Wight, recorded 46 crimes in November 2024, translating to a crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 residents—30.3% below the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000. This figure, when contextualised against the area’s population of 8,705, highlights a crime profile that diverges from national trends. The most prevalent category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 24 incidents (52.2% of total crimes), a rate of 2.8 per 1,000. This category is 9% above the UK average, suggesting a localised concentration of interpersonal conflicts. Criminal damage and arson followed with 7 incidents (15.2% of total), a rate of 0.8 per 1,000—40% above the UK average. These patterns may reflect the area’s seasonal rhythms, including Bonfire Night events, which could contribute to spikes in property-related offences. Conversely, categories like burglary (1 incident, 0.1 per 1,000) and shoplifting (1 incident, 0.1 per 1,000) were 68% and 86% below the UK average, respectively, likely due to the area’s relatively small population and limited commercial density. The month also saw a notable focus on public order offences (5 incidents, 0.6 per 1,000), 18% above the UK average, which may be tied to the transient nature of tourism in the region. While the overall crime rate remains low, the higher-than-average rates in violent and property offences highlight the need for targeted interventions in specific areas, such as the town’s more densely populated zones or event spaces. These findings are consistent with coastal communities where seasonal events and local demographics interact to shape distinct crime patterns.

November saw sharp declines in anti-social behaviour, other theft, and vehicle crime, with reductions of 75.0%, 66.7%, and 33.3% respectively. These decreases may be linked to seasonal factors such as shorter evenings and the post-Black Friday lull in retail activity. The crime mix in the area remained heavily skewed towards violent crimes, which accounted for 52.2% of all incidents—9% above the UK average. This contrast with categories like burglary and shoplifting, which were 68% and 86% below the UK average respectively, suggests a distinct local profile where interpersonal conflicts may play a larger role than property-related offences. For residents, the 75% drop in anti-social behaviour is a tangible indicator of improved community safety, influenced by heightened police visibility during Bonfire Night events or changes in local social dynamics.

In November 2024, Freshwater and Totland recorded a crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 residents, a 30.3% decline from the previous month’s rate of 7.6 per 1,000. This reduction aligns with broader seasonal patterns observed in similar coastal areas, where crime rates often dip in late autumn as tourist activity wanes and local routines shift. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 2 crimes per day over the month, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for residents. When scaled to the population of 8,705, this translates to one reported crime for every 189 residents over the course of November. While this monthly exposure rate is significantly lower than the UK average, it underscores the area’s relatively low baseline of criminal activity compared to larger urban centres. The contrast between local and national figures highlights the unique characteristics of Freshwater and Totland, where community cohesion and geographical isolation may contribute to sustained safety levels. This context is particularly relevant for residents considering how local crime trends compare to national benchmarks, especially in light of recent declines in specific categories like anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime.