Marchwood Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Marchwood, there were just 2.7 crimes reported in February 2024—a rate that is 62% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This stark contrast with national figures underscores the area’s unique position as a built-up zone within the New Forest, where low population density and rural character likely contribute to its safer profile. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 25% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (25%) and criminal damage and arson (18.8%). These figures align with the seasonal context of February, a winter month marked by reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull that may limit opportunities for certain types of crime. The relatively low rate of violent crime, despite its share of the total, suggests that the area’s social fabric and community cohesion play a role in mitigating more severe incidents. Anti-social behaviour, though rising sharply in February, remains below the UK average by 33%, indicating that while local challenges exist, they are not as pronounced as in other parts of the country. The low rate of burglary (0.2 per 1,000) and other theft (0.2 per 1,000) further reinforces the area’s security, though the 233% above UK average for bicycle theft highlights a niche vulnerability. These patterns reflect a combination of environmental factors, such as the area’s limited urban infrastructure, and community-specific dynamics, such as the absence of large retail hubs that might drive shoplifting or vehicle crime.

February marked a sharp rise in anti-social behaviour, which surged by 300% from one incident in January to four in February. This increase, though still low in absolute terms, may reflect seasonal factors such as colder weather driving more indoor activity or social tensions. Conversely, public order offences fell by 75%, a drop that could align with the pre-spring lull in outdoor gatherings. Bicycle theft, though only one incident, was 233% above the UK average, a striking anomaly that may point to targeted efforts by offenders or increased visibility of bikes in the area. Possession of weapons also saw a 100% increase, moving from zero to one incident—a figure that, while small, warrants attention given its rarity nationally. These shifts highlight the unpredictable nature of crime in small communities, where even minor fluctuations can carry outsized significance.

February 2024 saw a significant drop in Marchwood’s crime rate, falling from 5.6 per 1,000 residents in January to 2.7 per 1,000. This 51.6% decrease underscores a sustained trend of lower crime levels in the area, consistent with the built-up zone’s low overall rate. On a daily basis, Marchwood experienced roughly one crime per day in February—a figure that, while non-zero, reflects a manageable frequency for a small community. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 366 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the relatively low risk faced by individuals in this area. When scaled to population size, Marchwood’s crime rate is starkly lower than the UK average, suggesting that the built-up area’s rural setting and limited urban density may contribute to its safer profile. This contrast with national trends reinforces the importance of local factors in shaping crime patterns.