Hythe and Dibden Purlieu Crime Rate April 2025 | Monthly Statistics

April 2025 marked a continuation of the area’s relatively low crime profile, with an overall rate of 5.4 crimes per 1,000 residents—29.9% below the UK average of 7.7. This figure reflects a persistent trend in Hythe and Dibden Purlieu, a built-up area within the New Forest, where rural character and limited urban density likely contribute to the subdued crime profile. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime picture, accounting for 51.4% of all reported incidents, a share significantly higher than the UK average for this category. This focus on violent crime contrasts with the area’s performance in other categories, such as anti-social behaviour, which was 62% below the UK average, and vehicle crime, which fell 74% below national rates. The seasonal context of April—marked by Easter, spring weather, and increased outdoor activity—may have influenced the mix of crimes, with public order offences rising by 57.1% and criminal damage and arson doubling. These shifts could be attributed to temporary factors like increased foot traffic or seasonal events, though the overall decline in the crime rate suggests broader efforts to maintain safety. The area’s low property crime rate, with only 30 incidents reported, further underscores its distinct profile compared to more densely populated regions where property offences often dominate.

April 2025 witnessed sharp increases in criminal damage and arson, which doubled from seven to 14 incidents, and shoplifting, which rose by 66.7% to five cases. These spikes may reflect seasonal factors such as Easter-related disturbances or heightened outdoor activity during spring. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 61.5%, from 26 to 10 incidents, a drop that could signal effective community engagement or changes in local events. The area’s violent crime rate, at 2.8 per 1,000 residents, was 7% above the UK average, highlighting a persistent challenge in managing violence and sexual offences. This contrast with the 62% UK deficit in anti-social behaviour underscores the combination of local conditions and national trends. Residents may find the 50% reduction in vehicle crime, from two to one incident, particularly reassuring, especially for those concerned about car-related theft.

April 2025 saw an 8.4% decline in the area’s crime rate, falling from 5.8 to 5.4 per 1,000 residents. This reduction aligns with a broader trend observed in the previous three months, suggesting sustained improvements in local safety. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately four crimes per day, a figure that remains consistent with historical averages for this time of year. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure rate of one crime for every 187 residents highlights the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to national benchmarks. The population of 20,385 further contextualises these figures, showing that even with a modest number of crimes, the rate remains significantly below the UK average. This pattern is particularly notable in categories like anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime, which saw substantial declines, indicating potential shifts in community dynamics or enforcement priorities that may be worth monitoring in future reports.