New Forest Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 176,116, New Forest reported 835 crimes in February 2025, translating to a crime rate of 4.7 per 1,000 residents. This figure is 29.9% below the UK average of 6.7 per 1,000, marking one of the lowest rates in the country for this period. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (38.4% of total), shoplifting (11.0%), and criminal damage and arson (9.3%). These patterns align with the area's character as a rural district with significant natural landscapes and limited urban density, which may limit opportunities for certain types of crime while concentrating others in specific zones. Seasonal context suggests February's low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull may have contributed to lower property crime rates compared to busier months, though violent crime remains a notable concern. The breakdown shows a marked divergence from the UK average for several categories, with anti-social behaviour and public order offences far below national levels, likely reflecting the area's quieter, more dispersed population. This contrast highlights the unique dynamics of a largely rural region where community cohesion and sparse population density may play a role in shaping crime trends.

February 2025 saw significant shifts in crime patterns compared to January. Robbery increased by 200% (from 1 to 3 incidents), while theft from the person rose by 50% (from 4 to 6). These increases, though small in absolute terms, suggest a potential uptick in targeted crimes during the winter months. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 41.7% (from 60 to 35), and burglary decreased by 21.7% (from 60 to 47), possibly linked to reduced outdoor activity and shorter daylight hours deterring opportunistic offences. The crime mix also revealed striking disparities with the UK average: violence and sexual offences were 23% below the national rate, while anti-social behaviour was 59% below, reflecting the area's lower population density and possibly stronger community networks. Shoplifting remained 19% below the UK average, consistent with New Forest's limited retail presence compared to urban centres. These figures offer a nuanced picture of how local geography and seasonal factors interact to shape crime trends, with some categories showing resilience despite national trends.

New Forest's crime rate in February 2025 (4.7 per 1,000) represents a 13.3% decrease from the previous month's rate of 5.5 per 1,000, indicating a sustained downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 30 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents within the local population. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 211 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average. This statistic provides a tangible measure of risk for residents, showing that the likelihood of being directly affected by crime is relatively low in this area. When compared to the national picture, New Forest's population-scaled perspective highlights the impact of its rural character: with fewer densely populated zones and less commercial activity, the area naturally exhibits lower crime rates for categories like vehicle crime and public order offences. These comparative metrics reinforce the idea that New Forest's crime profile is shaped by its unique demographic and geographic features, offering residents a sense of relative safety despite the presence of certain crime types.