Fordingbridge Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Fordingbridge's crime profile in May 2023 reveals a combination of seasonal and local factors. With a total crime rate of 9.1 per 1,000 residents, the area exceeds the UK average by 13.7%, a deviation that challenges the typical low-crime expectations of rural and semi-rural communities. The most striking feature is the dominance of violent crimes, which accounted for 17 incidents (35.4% of all reported crimes). This category alone contributes to a violent crime rate of 3.2 per 1,000, 15% above the UK average. The sharp increase in shoplifting—jumping from 1 to 7 incidents—now constitutes 14.6% of all crimes, placing it 165% above the national average. This surge may be linked to the extended daylight hours and increased foot traffic associated with May's bank holidays. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson rose by 133.3%, reflecting a pattern that aligns with the area's historical challenges in managing property-related offences. The relatively low rate of anti-social behaviour (6.3% of all crimes) contrasts with the UK average, suggesting local initiatives may be addressing community tensions. The seasonal context of May—characterised by longer evenings and outdoor drinking—likely contributes to the elevated rates of violent and property crimes, though the exact causal relationships remain to be explored.

May 2023 saw a dramatic 600% increase in shoplifting, rising from 1 to 7 incidents. This spike, which places shoplifting 165% above the UK average, contrasts sharply with the 50% decline in burglary, the only category to decrease month-on-month. The shift in crime mix is stark: violent crimes now account for 35.4% of all reported incidents, up from 17.5% in the previous month. This increase aligns with the UK average for violent offences but outpaces it by 15%. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson surged 133.3%, contributing to a property crime rate that remains 110% above the national average. Anti-social behaviour, however, fell below the UK average by 55%, suggesting local efforts may be mitigating certain types of disorder. For residents, the most immediate concern is the sharp rise in shoplifting, which now constitutes 14.6% of all crimes in Fordingbridge.

Fordingbridge's crime rate in May 2023 rose sharply to 9.1 per 1,000 residents, a 71.5% increase from the previous month's rate of 5.3 per 1,000. This surge places the area 13.7% above the UK average, a notable deviation given the typically lower crime rates in rural and semi-rural regions. Daily crime statistics reveal an average of 2 crimes reported each day in May, a figure that, while modest, reflects a concentrated pattern of incidents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 109 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the frequency of incidents within a small population. The population context further highlights the significance of these numbers: with 5,249 residents, even a relatively low crime rate translates to a tangible impact on local communities. This increase contrasts with the previous month's lower rate, suggesting a shift in local dynamics that may be linked to seasonal factors such as longer evenings and increased socialising during May's bank holidays.