New Forest Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 176,116, 835 crimes in February 2025 equate to 0.47% of the area’s residents being directly affected, a figure that contextualises the scale of reported incidents. New Forest’s overall crime rate of 4.7 per 1,000 residents places it 29.9% below the UK average of 6.7, a disparity consistent with its rural character and limited urban density. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences (38.4% of all crimes), followed by shoplifting (11.0%) and criminal damage and arson (9.3%). This mix suggests a profile shaped by local factors such as seasonal low outdoor activity in February—a winter month with reduced foot traffic in open spaces—potentially contributing to lower property crime rates compared to busier periods. However, the prominence of violence and sexual offences may reflect the area’s mix of residential and tourist activity, with local amenities and events drawing visitors who may encounter incidents in less monitored settings. The relatively low rate of vehicle crime (0.2 per 1,000) aligns with New Forest’s sparse road networks and lower commuter traffic, though the 46% gap below the UK average highlights the impact of geography on crime patterns.

February 2025 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories compared to January. Robbery cases surged by 200%, rising from one to three incidents—a sharp increase that may indicate heightened vulnerability in targeted locations or shifts in criminal activity. Theft from the person also rose by 50%, from four to six cases, a trend that could be linked to increased foot traffic during late evenings or events attracting visitors. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped by 41.7%, from 60 to 35 incidents, a decline that may reflect lower winter activity levels and reduced vehicle presence in rural areas. Burglary fell by 21.7%, from 60 to 47 cases, though the category still remains 11% above the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour was 59% below the UK average at 0.4 per 1,000, a statistic that may be attributed to the area’s community-focused policing and lower population density. These shifts underscore the dynamic nature of local crime patterns, with seasonal factors and specific incidents playing a role in monthly variations.

The crime rate in February 2025 (4.7 per 1,000) marked a 13.3% decrease from January’s rate of 5.5, reflecting a downward trend that may be influenced by the pre-spring lull in activity typical of February. On a daily basis, New Forest experienced an average of 30 crimes per day in February—a figure that, while seemingly high, must be contextualised within the area’s population size and geographic spread. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 211 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average. This statistic illustrates the relative safety of the area, particularly when compared to more densely populated regions where crime rates are higher. The population-scaled perspective further highlights that New Forest’s crime profile is shaped by its unique characteristics, with the lower density of residents and limited urban infrastructure contributing to its consistently lower crime rates compared to the national average. These comparisons provide residents with a clearer understanding of how their local environment fares against broader trends.