Hythe and Dibden Purlieu Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For an area of 20,385 residents, 110 crimes were recorded in February 2024, translating to a crime rate of 5.4 per 1,000 people. This places Hythe and Dibden Purlieu 23.9% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000, a consistent trend reflecting the area’s character as a relatively low-density built-up zone within the New Forest. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 51.8% of all incidents (57 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (17.3%) and criminal damage and arson (11.8%). The area’s violent crime rate (2.8 per 1,000) is 12% above the UK average for this category, likely reflecting the social dynamics of a small, close-knit community where interpersonal conflicts may be more visible. Conversely, property crimes were markedly lower, with only 27 incidents (24.5% of total crimes), compared to the UK average of 3.2 per 1,000. This aligns with the area’s rural-urban mix, where outdoor spaces may deter vehicle crime but also concentrate social interactions that drive violent incidents. February’s winter conditions, with limited outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull, may have contributed to a shift in crime patterns, with indoor disputes and anti-social behaviour surging amid reduced community engagement. The data suggests a combination of seasonal factors and local demographics, with the area’s low population density and proximity to natural spaces reducing opportunities for property crime but not eliminating risks of personal violence.

February 2024 marked sharp month-on-month increases in two key categories: violence and sexual offences rose by 67.6% (from 34 to 57 cases), and anti-social behaviour surged by 216.7% (from 6 to 19 cases). These spikes contrast with significant declines in other areas, including drugs offences (down 80% to 1 case) and public order incidents (down 62.5% to 3 cases). The violent crime rate (2.8 per 1,000) is 12% above the UK average for this category, highlighting a persistent local challenge despite the area’s overall lower crime rate. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour (0.9 per 1,000) is 14% below the UK average, suggesting that community-focused policing or local initiatives may be effective in curbing such disturbances. The most extreme disparity is seen in possession of weapons, where the rate (0.2 per 1,000) is 186% above the UK average (0.1 per 1,000), a statistic that would be of particular interest to residents concerned about public safety. These figures underscore the need for targeted interventions in areas where violent and weapon-related crimes are concentrated, while the overall low crime rate reaffirms the area’s status as one of the safer parts of the UK.

The crime rate in February 2024 (5.4 per 1,000) was 5.9% lower than the previous month’s rate of 5.7 per 1,000, indicating a slight downward trend. Translating this into daily terms, the area experienced roughly 4 crimes per day in February, a figure that may seem high in absolute terms but is proportionally low given the population size. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 185 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average. This statistic provides context for residents: in a typical month, the likelihood of being directly affected by crime is minimal, though the spikes in violent and anti-social behaviour suggest that localised risks remain. The area’s population-scaled perspective further highlights its relative safety compared to other parts of the UK, with the crime rate being 23.9% below the national average. However, the disparity in specific categories—such as the 186% higher rate of weapon possession—reveals that while the overall picture is positive, certain issues require focused attention. This comparison underscores the importance of understanding crime not just as a raw number, but as a reflection of local conditions and priorities.