Holbury Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Holbury's crime rate in October 2024 stood at 3.2 per 1,000 residents, placing it 60.5% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This stark contrast with national figures highlights the area's relative safety, particularly given its position within the New Forest's rural landscape. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, comprising 64% of all incidents, yet this rate (2.0 per 1,000) remains 25% below the UK average for the same category. The low overall rate is consistent with the characteristics of a built-up area within a largely rural region, where limited commercial density and strong community ties may contribute to lower crime levels. Seasonal factors in October, including shorter daylight hours and the approach of Halloween, may explain the slight increase in shoplifting and other theft, which rose by 100% compared to the previous month. However, the area's crime picture remains broadly stable, with property crimes accounting for just 28% of all incidents (7 out of 25) compared to 64% for violent crimes. This imbalance suggests that personal safety concerns, rather than property-related issues, are the primary focus for local authorities and residents. The low levels of vehicle crime (0.1 per 1,000) and anti-social behaviour (0.1 per 1,000) further reinforce the notion of a tightly knit community where informal social control may play a significant role in deterring crime. These patterns are consistent with other New Forest towns, where natural barriers and low population density historically correlate with reduced criminal activity. While the month-on-month fluctuations in specific crime types warrant attention, the overall trajectory for Holbury remains one of sustained safety compared to both national averages and its own historical trends.

October 2024 saw a 100% increase in shoplifting and other theft compared to September, with both categories rising from one to two incidents. This shift contrasts with declines in public order offences (-80%), vehicle crime (-50%), and anti-social behaviour (-50%), suggesting a reallocation of criminal activity towards retail spaces. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 64% of all crimes, yet this rate (2.0 per 1,000) is 25% below the UK average for the same category. The spike in shoplifting aligns with Halloween, a seasonal factor that may drive retail-focused crime in the New Forest's built-up areas. These figures offer a concrete data point for residents: while violent crime remains a concern, the area's overall safety profile continues to outperform national benchmarks.

Holbury's crime rate in October 2024 fell to 3.2 per 1,000 residents, a 30.6% decline from the previous month's rate of 4.6. This drop aligns with seasonal patterns in the New Forest area, where darker evenings and reduced outdoor activity may temper criminal opportunities. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one reported crime per day, a figure that reflects the low overall rate but remains relevant for local awareness. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 314 residents, a statistic that contextualises the scale of incidents against the population of 7,852. While this monthly exposure is significantly lower than the UK average, it underscores the relatively safe environment in Holbury compared to larger urban centres. The population-scaled perspective also highlights that even small increases in specific crime types, such as shoplifting, remain proportionally minor within the broader context of the area's crime profile.