Hythe and Dibden Purlieu Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Hythe and Dibden Purlieu’s crime rate in July 2024 stood at 5.3 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 36.9% below the UK average of 8.4. This figure reflects a consistently low-crime profile, though seasonal factors in July—such as school holidays, tourism peaks, and outdoor festivals—likely influenced the distribution of offences. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 41.1% of all incidents, with 44 reported cases. This category, at 2.2 per 1,000, remains significantly below the UK average of 2.9 per 1,000. Public order offences, while a smaller share of total crimes (16.8%), saw a notable spike, potentially tied to the area’s summer activities and increased foot traffic. Anti-social behaviour and criminal damage also featured prominently, though both were well below national averages. The low rate of property crimes, particularly shoplifting and burglary, may be attributed to the area’s rural character and the limited retail presence compared to urban centres. Seasonal patterns—such as the absence of students and the influx of tourists—likely play a role in shaping crime trends, with public order incidents rising during periods of heightened social interaction. These dynamics suggest a combination of local geography and temporary population shifts, though the overall crime rate remains stable and below national benchmarks.

July 2024 marked a dramatic shift in public order offences, with a 157.1% increase from 7 to 18 incidents. This surge, though still below the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000, highlights a significant change in local dynamics, possibly linked to the area’s peak summer season and increased outdoor events. Conversely, shoplifting plummeted by 78.6%, dropping from 14 to 3 cases—a stark contrast that may reflect seasonal shifts in retail activity or enhanced policing in high-traffic areas. The category of ‘other crime’ saw a 200% rise, jumping from 1 to 3 incidents, a figure that, while small, suggests emerging patterns warranting closer attention. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 41.1% of all crimes.2 per 1,000, they are 23% below the UK average. This disparity, coupled with anti-social behaviour’s 59% deficit relative to national rates, underscores the area’s generally lower levels of violent crime, despite the public order spike.

Hythe and Dibden Purlieu’s crime rate in July 2024 fell by 15.0% compared to June, dropping from 6.2 to 5.3 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with a broader trend observed in the area during summer months, where heightened community activity and tourism may contribute to reduced opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly three crimes per day in July, a figure that, while low, reflects the persistent presence of local incidents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 191 residents, a statistic that provides context for residents assessing their personal risk. When scaled to the area’s population of 20,385, this rate underscores the relatively low level of crime compared to the UK average, though it highlights the importance of maintaining local policing efforts to address specific categories like public order offences. The contrast between this monthly exposure and the UK average—where crime rates are consistently higher—reinforces the area’s unique position as a low-crime built-up region within a rural landscape.