Barton on Sea Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Barton on Sea, a coastal built-up area within the New Forest, recorded a crime rate of 2.1 per 1,000 residents in May 2023—73.8% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This figure reflects a marked contrast to national trends, with the area’s crime profile shaped by its relatively small population and possibly lower levels of commercial or tourist activity. The top crime types were violence and sexual offences (5 incidents, 33.3% of total), followed by drugs (3 incidents, 20.0%) and criminal damage (2 incidents, 13.3%). Seasonal factors, including longer evenings and bank holidays, may have contributed to the increase in violent crimes and the 50% rise in drug-related incidents. However, the area’s low overall crime rate suggests that its character—likely a mix of residential and semi-rural features—limits opportunities for certain types of crime compared to larger urban centres. The UK average for violence and sexual offences is 2.8 per 1,000, meaning Barton on Sea’s rate is 75% below the national benchmark. This discrepancy could be linked to the area’s lower population density and stronger community cohesion, though further analysis would be needed to confirm this. The data also shows that drug-related crimes are 90% above the UK average, highlighting a specific local challenge that may require targeted interventions. This contrast between rising drug offences and declining property crimes underscores the need for nuanced approaches to crime prevention in Barton on Sea, balancing local priorities with broader national trends.

May 2023 saw a 50% increase in drug-related crimes, rising from 2 to 3 incidents. This category’s rate of 0.4 per 1,000 in Barton on Sea is 90% above the UK average of 0.2 per 1,000, indicating a localised spike that warrants attention. Meanwhile, burglary and other theft decreased by 66.7% and 50% respectively, likely reflecting seasonal shifts in activity or targeted policing efforts. The balance of crime types also shifted, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 33.3% of all crimes—higher than the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000. Residents should be particularly aware of the 50% rise in drug-related incidents, which may be linked to increased socialising during longer evenings and bank holidays in May. This contrast between rising drug offences and declining property crimes suggests a combination of factors, including local enforcement priorities and seasonal behaviour patterns.

Barton on Sea’s crime rate in May 2023 fell to 2.1 per 1,000 residents, a 34.9% decrease from the previous month’s 3.2 per 1,000. This decline places the area well below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, with residents facing a monthly exposure rate of one crime for every 487 people. Daily crime statistics show an average of 0.48 crimes per day over the 31-day period, though this figure is a local aggregate and not directly comparable to national averages. The population-scaled perspective highlights the area’s relative safety: with 7,309 residents, the low crime rate suggests that the built-up area’s characteristics—possibly including limited commercial activity and a more residential focus—may contribute to reduced opportunities for certain types of crime. This context contrasts sharply with larger urban centres, where higher population density and foot traffic often correlate with elevated crime rates.