Hythe and Dibden Purlieu Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In September 2023, Hythe and Dibden Purlieu recorded 126 crimes, translating to a crime rate of 6.2 per 1,000 residents—22.5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This figure reflects a marked imbalance between crime categories, with violent crimes accounting for 50% of the total (63 incidents) compared to property crimes at 24.6% (31 incidents). The dominance of violent crime over property crime contrasts with typical patterns in rural areas, where property-related offences often dominate. Violence and sexual offences were the most reported category, with 3.1 per 1,000 residents, significantly higher than the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000. This anomaly may be linked to seasonal factors, as September marks the start of the academic year in local schools and universities, potentially increasing social interactions and associated risks. Anti-social behaviour (15 incidents) and criminal damage (12 incidents) followed as the second and third most common categories, with anti-social behaviour recorded at 48% below the UK average. The area's low vehicle crime rate (0.1 per 1,000) and burglary rate (0.1 per 1,000) align with the characteristics of a rural built-up area, where vehicle theft and break-ins are less common due to lower population density and fewer high-traffic zones. However, the elevated violence figures suggest a need to consider local factors such as the presence of seasonal events or transient populations during the back-to-school period. The data also shows that public order offences (11 incidents) were 19% below the UK average, reflecting the area's quieter nature compared to urban centres. While the overall crime rate remains relatively low, the concentration of violent incidents highlights a distinct pattern that warrants closer examination in the context of local demographics and seasonal activity.

September 2023 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with violence and sexual offences rising by 37% compared to the previous month, from 46 to 63 incidents. This increase, coupled with a 400% surge in 'other crime' (from 1 to 5 incidents), suggests potential spikes in unclassified or emerging issues. Conversely, drug-related offences plummeted by 83.3%, from 6 to 1, potentially indicating a temporary reduction in illicit activity or shifts in policing focus. The property crime category, while still lower than violent crime, showed a 20% increase in other thefts (from 5 to 6 incidents), though this remains a minor proportion of the overall total. The area's violent crime rate (3.1 per 1,000) is 13% above the UK average for this category, highlighting a localised challenge. In contrast, anti-social behaviour (0.7 per 1,000) and vehicle crime (0.1 per 1,000) were significantly below national averages by 48% and 79%, respectively. These disparities may reflect the area's rural character and limited commercial activity compared to urban centres. For residents, the most immediately relevant change is the sharp rise in 'other crime'—a category that requires further clarification but could include unregistered incidents or new forms of activity. This shift underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and community engagement to address emerging trends.

The crime rate in Hythe and Dibden Purlieu remained stable in September 2023, matching the previous month's rate of 6.2 per 1,000 residents. This consistency suggests no major shifts in overall criminal activity over the past month. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 4 crimes per day—a figure that, while low, provides context for residents to gauge local risk levels. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 162 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places the area well below the UK average in several categories. For instance, the 48% lower rate of anti-social behaviour compared to the UK average means residents are less likely to encounter disturbances such as noise complaints or vandalism. Similarly, the 79% lower vehicle crime rate indicates a safer environment for car owners compared to national trends. However, the 13% higher rate of violence and sexual offences compared to the UK average highlights a specific vulnerability. With a population of 20,385, the 126 reported crimes translate to a relatively low frequency of incidents per individual, but the concentration of violent crime suggests targeted efforts may be needed to address this imbalance. These comparative figures offer a nuanced picture of safety, showing that while the area benefits from lower rates in several key categories, it faces unique challenges in others that require tailored responses.