Hythe and Dibden Purlieu Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Hythe and Dibden Purlieu recorded a crime rate of 6.8 per 1,000 residents in November 2023, marking a 9.3% reduction compared to the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This figure reflects a balanced distribution of crime types, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 39.1% of all incidents, followed by shoplifting (14.5%) and anti-social behaviour (9.4%). The area’s relatively low crime rate, despite being a built-up zone within the New Forest, may be influenced by its rural-urban hybrid character, where community cohesion and limited commercial density contribute to a safer environment. Seasonal factors such as Bonfire Night and the onset of dark evenings could have played a role in shaping the crime profile, though the absence of major spikes in property crime suggests effective local policing or community vigilance. The dominance of violence and sexual offences over property crimes contrasts with national trends, reflecting the area’s demographic composition, including a mix of long-term residents and seasonal visitors. Meanwhile, shoplifting’s 82% above the UK average highlights vulnerabilities in retail spaces, which may be exacerbated by Black Friday shopping activity. Anti-social behaviour’s 43% deficit compared to the UK average indicates a lower incidence of disruptive conduct, linked to the area’s quieter, more residential nature.

November 2023 saw notable reductions in certain crime categories, with drugs-related offences declining by 62.5% (from 8 to 3 incidents) and other theft falling by 33.3% (from 9 to 6). These decreases may be attributed to targeted local initiatives or seasonal lulls in illicit activity. Conversely, burglary and vehicle crime surged dramatically, rising by 400% and 300% respectively, driven by a shift from 1 to 5 and 2 to 8 incidents. This spike in property crimes could be linked to the darker evenings of late autumn, which may deter natural surveillance and create opportunities for opportunistic offenders. Robbery also increased by 200%, though its absolute numbers remain low (3 incidents). Violence and sexual offences, while 4% above the UK average, accounted for the largest share of crimes, reflecting the area’s proximity to high-traffic routes or transient populations. Shoplifting’s 82% excess over the UK average underscores the need for enhanced retail security measures, particularly during periods of high consumer activity. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences, meanwhile, fell below UK levels, suggesting the area’s community-focused approach to policing may be yielding positive outcomes.

The crime rate in November 2023 (6.8 per 1,000) represents a 27.7% increase from the previous month’s rate of 5.3 per 1,000.3% below the UK average. This monthly fluctuation may be influenced by the transition from October’s relatively quiet period to November’s busier retail season and darker nights. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 5 crimes per day in November, a figure that, while modest, highlights the persistent need for vigilance. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 148 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average but not drastically so. This statistic, when contextualised within the local population of 20,385, suggests that most residents are not directly affected by crime on a regular basis. However, the significant rise in burglary and vehicle crime necessitates a closer look at property security trends, particularly in areas with higher foot traffic or limited lighting. The population-scaled perspective reinforces that while crime is present, its impact is distributed across the community rather than concentrated in specific neighbourhoods.