Hythe and Dibden Purlieu Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 20,385, 87 crimes were recorded in February 2026, translating to a crime rate of 4.3 per 1,000 residents—32.8% below the UK average of 6.4. This figure places the area among the lowest crime rates nationally, reflecting the character of a rural built-up area within the New Forest, where low population density and limited urban infrastructure may contribute to reduced opportunities for certain crimes. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 39.1% of all reported crimes (34 cases), followed by criminal damage and arson (12.6%, 11 cases) and anti-social behaviour (9.2%, 8 cases). These patterns align with the seasonal context of February, a winter month marked by lower outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull in social events. The high proportion of violent crimes may partly reflect the area’s reliance on local services and community interactions, which could increase interpersonal contact. However, the overall low crime rate suggests effective local policing or community cohesion. The absence of major retail or nightlife hubs likely reduces exposure to shoplifting or public order offences, which are typically higher in urban centres. This data underscores a generally safe environment, though the 34 reported violent crimes highlight the need for targeted measures in areas where interpersonal conflicts may arise.

February 2026 saw significant reductions in several crime categories compared to January, with violence and sexual offences dropping by 40.4% (from 57 to 34 cases) and shoplifting decreasing by 65% (from 20 to 7 cases). Burglary also fell sharply, declining by 71.4% (from 7 to 2 cases), suggesting a possible seasonal effect as winter holidays waned. 'other crime' increased by 100%, rising from 3 to 6 cases—a shift that may indicate underreported or evolving types of illicit activity. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, but their rate of 1.7 per 1,000 residents is 27% below the UK average of 2.3, indicating a safer-than-average profile for violent crime. Conversely, criminal damage and arson (0.5 per 1,000) is 9% above the UK average, which may reflect local challenges such as environmental issues or property neglect. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.4 per 1,000, is 56% below the UK average, linked to the area’s smaller population and community-oriented policing. These shifts highlight the importance of monitoring specific categories, such as 'other crime,' which may require further investigation into emerging trends.

The crime rate in February 2026 (4.3 per 1,000) marked a 35% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 6.6 per 1,000, a decline that translates to roughly 3 crimes reported per day in February. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 234 residents—a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average. For context, the area’s population of 20,385 means that each resident faces a 0.043% chance of being directly affected by crime in a given month, compared to the national average of 0.064%. This stark contrast underscores the area’s status as a relatively low-risk environment, particularly when compared to larger urban centres. The daily crime count of 3 is a tangible figure for residents: it means that, on average, a local resident could expect to encounter one crime every 9.6 days. This rate is especially noteworthy in a built-up area within the New Forest, where natural landscapes and limited commercial activity may naturally limit crime opportunities. The comparison with the UK average further highlights the effectiveness of local crime prevention strategies, though it also raises questions about whether such low rates are sustainable in the face of changing demographics or economic conditions.