Hythe and Dibden Purlieu Crime Rate July 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Hythe and Dibden Purlieu, a built-up area within the New Forest, recorded a crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 residents in July 2025, significantly lower than the UK average of 8.6 per 1,000. This 38.4% deficit reflects the area’s rural character and relatively small population of 20,385. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 47.7% of all reported incidents. This aligns with the area’s seasonal context: July is peak tourism month, with festivals and events drawing visitors to the New Forest. However, the violence rate remains 18% below the UK average for this category, suggesting that local community dynamics or policing may mitigate such incidents. Property crimes, including burglary and shoplifting, are also below UK averages, with shoplifting at 54% below the national rate. This could be attributed to the limited retail infrastructure in this part of the New Forest, which lacks the high streets or commercial hubs typical of larger towns. The data also shows a marked disparity between violent and property crime: while violence dominates, property crime remains low, due to the area’s semi-rural nature, where homes are more spread out and less targeted. Seasonal factors may further influence these patterns: with schools out and tourism at its height, public spaces see more activity, increasing the visibility of violent incidents. However, the absence of major urban centres or industrial sites in the area may limit opportunities for property crime. The overall crime rate.0 per 1,000 in June, remains well within the UK’s lower quartile, reinforcing the area’s reputation as a relatively safe place to live.

The most striking shift in July was a 550% increase in 'other theft' cases, rising from 2 to 13. This jump, though unexplained by the data, could reflect seasonal activity, such as increased foot traffic during festivals or events in the New Forest. In contrast, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage both fell by 20%, likely tied to summer holidays reducing youth gatherings in public spaces. Violent crimes, which account for nearly half of all incidents (47.7%), remain 18% below the UK average for this category, consistent with the area’s low-density, rural character. 'shoplifting' fell 54% below the UK average, a trend that may be influenced by the limited retail presence in this built-up area compared to urban centres. Residents may find the 550% rise in 'other theft' particularly concerning, suggesting a need for heightened awareness around personal property during peak tourist months.

July 2025 saw a 30.6% rise in the area’s crime rate, climbing from 4.0 to 5.3 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though significant, remains 38.4% below the UK average of 8.6 per 1,000. Locally, this translates to roughly three crimes reported per day over the month, with one crime occurring for every 191 residents. While this daily figure may seem high, it is offset by the area’s relatively low population of 20,385. The shift from June to July also reflects seasonal patterns: with schools out and tourism at its peak, the area’s small population and rural character may amplify the visibility of crime relative to larger urban centres. The monthly exposure rate of 1-in-191 residents, while higher than June’s 1-in-257, still places the area well below the UK’s average monthly exposure, which is not provided here. This suggests that while crime is rising, the scale remains manageable within the community’s context.