Fordingbridge Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Fordingbridge, 7.1 crimes were reported in August 2023, a rate that places the area 12.3% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This relatively low crime rate translates to a tangible safety profile for residents, with risks spread across a small community of 5,249 people. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (24.3% of total), anti-social behaviour (16.2%), and criminal damage and arson (16.2%). These patterns reflect the area's character as a built-up zone within the New Forest, where tourism and seasonal activity may influence certain crime types. The prominence of violence and sexual offences, despite being 36% below the UK average, suggests that local policing and community engagement have mitigated risks in this category. However, the above-average rates of criminal damage and arson—75% higher than the UK average—highlight the challenges posed by the area's natural environment and the need for targeted interventions. August, as a peak holiday month, likely amplifies pressures on public spaces, contributing to the rise in public order offences and shoplifting. This seasonal context, combined with the area's rural-urban blend, shapes a crime profile that is both distinctive and manageable.

August 2023 saw a sharp 200% increase in shoplifting, with incidents rising from one to three. This surge, while small in absolute terms, signals a potential shift in retail crime patterns during the summer tourist season. Public order offences also rose by 66.7%, reflecting heightened activity in local spaces during peak holiday periods. Conversely, burglary fell by 80% compared to July, a stark contrast to the seasonal context that typically increases burglary risk due to empty homes. This decline may partly explain the overall 22.9% drop in the area's crime rate from the previous month. Criminal damage and arson rates were 75% above the UK average, a divergence that suggests local factors—such as the New Forest's natural environment—may contribute to this category's prominence. Meanwhile, violent crime remained 36% below the UK average, highlighting Fordingbridge's relative safety in this category.

Fordingbridge's crime rate in August 2023 fell to 7.1 per 1,000 residents, a 22.9% decrease from the previous month's rate of 9.1. This decline positions the area as one of the safer built-up zones in the UK, with crime levels 12.3% below the national average. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly one reported crime per day over August, a figure that contextualises the risk in tangible terms for residents. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure equates to one crime for every 142 residents, a statistic that underscores the relatively low likelihood of encountering crime in everyday life. This contrast with the UK average highlights the effectiveness of local policing strategies in maintaining order, particularly in areas where tourism and seasonal changes might otherwise elevate risk. The population size of 5,249 further ensures that individual residents face a manageable level of risk, with crimes distributed across a smaller community.