Lymington Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Lymington’s crime rate in January 2026 stood at 4.7 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 30.9% below the UK average of 6.8. This performance reflects a combination of geographic and demographic factors unique to the built-up area within the New Forest. The most common crimes reported were violence and sexual offences (24.3% of total), shoplifting (24.3%), and anti-social behaviour (12.2%). While the area’s overall rate remains well below the national average, specific categories reveal contrasting trends: shoplifting, for instance, was 93% higher than the UK average, a stark departure from Lymington’s generally low crime profile. This anomaly may be partly explained by the area’s retail presence, which, despite its rural context, hosts regular foot traffic that could contribute to such incidents. In contrast, violent crime was 56% below the UK average, a trend consistent with the area’s limited nightlife and lower population density. Seasonal factors also played a role, as January’s post-holiday period and shorter days likely reduced opportunities for outdoor crimes typical in warmer months. These patterns underscore how Lymington’s rural-urban hybrid character—neither a major urban centre nor a remote village—shapes its crime dynamics in ways that diverge from both larger cities and more isolated communities.

January 2026 saw sharp increases in certain crime categories, including other crime (+300%), robbery (+100%), and theft from the person (+100%). These jumps, particularly in other crime, may reflect seasonal or situational factors such as post-holiday adjustments in local activity patterns. Conversely, public order offences fell by 66.7%, likely tied to reduced foot traffic during January’s shorter days and post-Christmas lull. Shoplifting remained a standout issue, with a rate of 1.1 per 1,000—93% above the UK average. This anomaly contrasts with the area’s overall safety record and may be linked to Lymington’s retail presence, which, despite its rural setting, draws visitors and residents alike. Meanwhile, violent crime decreased by 21.7% compared to December, a shift that could be consistent with seasonal trends, as January’s colder weather and reduced outdoor activity may contribute to lower rates of physical confrontations. These fluctuations illustrate how local and national crime patterns can diverge, even within a single month.

Lymington’s crime rate in January 2026 rose slightly by 5.7% compared to the previous month, moving from 4.4 to 4.7 per 1,000 residents. While this increase is modest, it contrasts with the broader UK context, where Lymington remains significantly safer than the national average. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly two crimes per day, a figure that reflects its smaller population and lower overall crime density. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 214 residents—a statistic that underscores the relatively low frequency of criminal activity in this built-up area within the New Forest. When scaled to the local population, this means that the average resident faces a far lower risk of experiencing crime than those in larger urban centres. The population-scaled perspective also highlights how Lymington’s rural character, combined with its limited retail and nightlife presence, contributes to a crime profile that diverges from the UK average. These factors suggest that local geography and community dynamics play a significant role in shaping the area’s crime patterns.