Hythe and Dibden Purlieu Crime Rate October 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Hythe and Dibden Purlieu's crime rate in October 2025 stood at 4.8 per 1,000 residents, a figure 37.7% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This marked deviation from national trends underscores the area's unique crime profile, shaped by its location within the New Forest—a predominantly rural region with limited urban density. Violence and sexual offences accounted for the largest share of crimes (36.1%), though this category remains 36% below the UK average. The area's relatively low levels of property crime, particularly in categories like burglary (6 incidents) and vehicle crime (1 incident), align with the characteristics of a built-up area within a natural landscape where commercial activity is sparse. Seasonal factors in October, including the transition to darker evenings and the approach of Halloween, may have influenced patterns of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, though the latter's 500% increase compared to September suggests an anomaly requiring further analysis. The overall crime rate's continued decline from previous months may reflect the area's inherent safety, reinforced by its low population density and the absence of major urban infrastructure that typically correlates with higher crime rates. While the 4.8 per 1,000 rate is a significant outlier, it is consistent with the broader trend of rural areas in England and Wales experiencing lower crime rates than their urban counterparts. This data highlights a community where crime remains an infrequent occurrence, with the majority of residents unlikely to encounter criminal activity in their daily lives.

October 2025 witnessed a stark contrast in crime trends, with shoplifting surging by 500% from three to 18 incidents—a figure that outpaces the UK average by 43%. This sharp rise may be linked to seasonal factors, such as Halloween, which often sees increased retail activity and potential vulnerabilities in small-town shops. Conversely, vehicle crime plummeted by 92.3%, from 13 to just one incident, possibly due to reduced traffic or heightened community vigilance during darker evenings. The breakdown of crimes also reveals an unusual pattern: violence and sexual offences, while still the most common category (35 incidents), were 36% below the UK average. This divergence from national trends may reflect the area's rural character, where community cohesion and lower population density could contribute to lower rates of violent crime. A resident might find the 43% above-average rate for 'other crime' (five incidents) noteworthy, as this category encompasses less common but complex offences that require localised attention.

Hythe and Dibden Purlieu's crime rate in October 2025 fell by 8.5% compared to September's 5.2 per 1,000, reflecting a continued downward trend. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 210 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for local residents. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately three crimes per day, a rate that remains low when compared to national averages. This localised figure highlights the relatively safe environment within this built-up area of the New Forest, where crime remains a rare occurrence. The population context further reinforces this: with 20,385 residents, the 97 reported crimes represent a small fraction of the community, suggesting that most residents are unlikely to encounter crime in their daily lives. The reduction in vehicle crime by 92.3% from September to October may reflect seasonal factors, such as reduced traffic during darker evenings or decreased outdoor activity linked to Halloween preparations.