Fordingbridge Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Fordingbridge's 7.4 crimes per 1,000 residents in September 2023 places it 7.5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. For a population of 5,249, this translates to 39 total crimes—a figure that, while modest, reflects the area's unique crime profile. The top three crime categories—violence and sexual offences (9 cases), anti-social behaviour (7 cases), and criminal damage and arson (6 cases)—illustrate a mix of interpersonal and property-related issues. The area's 7.5% UK comparison advantage is particularly notable given its location within the New Forest, a region typically associated with lower urban crime rates. Seasonal factors may influence these patterns, as September marks the return to school and university freshers' week, which could contribute to increased anti-social behaviour and public order issues. However, the area's violent crime rate remains 38% below the UK average, suggesting effective community policing or demographic factors that mitigate more severe incidents. The spike in criminal damage and arson (83% above UK average) raises questions about local vulnerabilities, though the small absolute numbers mean this remains a relatively rare occurrence. This data aligns with Fordingbridge's character as a semi-rural built-up area, where property crimes like burglary (4 cases) and shoplifting (4 cases) may reflect limited retail security and transient populations during peak times. The overall crime profile appears to balance typical urban concerns with the lower crime expectations of a rural setting, creating a distinct pattern that warrants further analysis.

September 2023 saw a stark 300% increase in burglary cases, rising from 1 to 4 incidents. This jump, while still a small absolute number, may partly explain the overall 5.4% monthly rise in the area's crime rate. Shoplifting also rose by 33.3%, suggesting possible links to the start of the academic year and increased foot traffic in local retail areas. Conversely, other theft fell by 40% (from 5 to 3 cases), a drop that could reflect seasonal shifts or improved security measures. Violent crime remains lower than the UK average, with rates 38% below the national figure for violence and sexual offences. This contrast with the 83% spike in criminal damage and arson—over double the UK average—highlights the area's unique crime profile. Residents might find the 1-in-135 monthly exposure rate particularly informative when assessing local safety relative to other similar-sized communities.

Fordingbridge's crime rate in September 2023 rose 5.4% from the previous month's 7.1 per 1,000 to 7.4 per 1,000. This equates to roughly 1 crime per day over the 30-day period, a figure that contextualises the local pace of reported incidents. When scaled to the area's population of 5,249 residents, the monthly exposure rate means one reported crime occurred for every 135 residents. This statistic provides a tangible sense of how frequently crime intersects with daily life in the community. While the increase is modest, it underscores the need for continued vigilance. The daily crime count, though low, highlights that even small numbers can represent meaningful events for residents. This monthly exposure rate also allows for direct comparisons between Fordingbridge's experience and other areas with similar population sizes, offering a benchmark for local policing strategies and community safety initiatives.