Ashley (New Forest) Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Ashley (New Forest) maintained a crime rate of 2.4 per 1,000 residents in February 2026, significantly below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This figure highlights a stark contrast between the area’s low overall crime levels and the national trend, with violent crimes dominating the profile. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 42.1% of all reported crimes, followed by public order offences (21.1%) and other theft (10.5%). The dominance of violent crime over property crime—a category typically more prevalent in urban areas—suggests unique local factors at play. Given Ashley’s location within the New Forest, a region characterized by rural landscapes and limited urban density, the higher proportion of violent crime may reflect challenges in policing dispersed communities or the influence of transient populations. Seasonal context also plays a role: February, a winter month with reduced outdoor activity, may limit opportunities for property crimes while increasing the visibility of interpersonal conflicts in more confined spaces. However, the overall low crime rate—62.5% below the UK average—indicates that the area remains relatively safe, with most incidents falling into categories that are either uncommon or easily managed through local policing strategies. The balance between violent and property crime underscores the need for targeted approaches, ensuring that resources are allocated to address the specific risks faced by this built-up area within a predominantly rural region.

February 2026 saw a 300% increase in public order offences, rising from one to four incidents. This surge, though still modest in absolute terms, may reflect heightened tensions during winter months or localized events. Conversely, vehicle crime plummeted by 83.3%, from six to one incident, likely due to reduced vehicle movement during colder weather. The balance between violent and property crimes shifted sharply, with violent crimes (8 incidents) accounting for 42.1% of all recorded crimes, compared to property crimes (6 incidents). This pattern is different from the UK average, where violence and sexual offences typically make up 2.3 per 1,000 residents—57% below Ashley’s rate. Meanwhile, public order offences in Ashley (2.3 per 1,000) exceeded the UK average by 22%, suggesting a unique dynamic in this area that warrants further contextual analysis.

Ashley (New Forest) recorded a crime rate of 2.4 per 1,000 residents in February 2026, a 29.6% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 3.4 per 1,000. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns typical of winter months, when lower outdoor activity and colder weather may reduce opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one crime per day over the 28-day period, reflecting a low but consistent level of criminal activity. When scaled to the population, this translates to one reported crime for roughly every 424 residents over the course of the month. Given Ashley’s status as a built-up area within the New Forest—a region known for its rural landscape and limited urban density—this figure suggests a relatively stable and safe environment compared to larger urban centres. The population context further underscores that even with the recorded incidents, the likelihood of an individual encountering crime remains low, though localized spikes in specific categories warrant closer attention.