Marchwood Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Marchwood’s crime rate in May 2024 stood at 3.8 per 1,000 residents, placing it 54.8% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This figure reflects a consistently low level of criminal activity, a trend that aligns with the area’s built-up nature within the New Forest, where the surrounding rural landscape may limit opportunities for certain types of crime. The breakdown of offences reveals that property crimes, particularly shoplifting, accounted for 22.7% of all reported incidents, followed by violence and sexual offences (27.3%) and anti-social behaviour (18.2%). These figures contrast with the UK averages, where shoplifting is significantly below the national rate, while violence and sexual offences remain lower. The seasonal context of May—marked by bank holidays and extended evening hours—may have influenced the pattern of crime, as increased socialising and outdoor activity could contribute to both anti-social behaviour and retail-related offences. The area’s violent crime rate, while lower than the UK average, still shows a higher proportion of incidents than expected, reflecting the dynamics of a small, tightly knit community where interpersonal conflicts may be more visible. The low overall crime rate, combined with the specific shifts in offence types, suggests that Marchwood’s crime profile is shaped by its unique geographical and social characteristics, including its proximity to natural areas and the potential for seasonal fluctuations in public activity.

May 2024 saw sharp increases in shoplifting, burglary, and anti-social behaviour, each rising by 100% compared to April. This spike in shoplifting—jumping from zero to five incidents—suggests a potential seasonal influence, as May’s longer evenings and bank holidays may have encouraged more outdoor activity and retail-related crime. Conversely, other theft and public order offences fell significantly, by 83.3% and 66.7% respectively, indicating a possible reduction in petty crime or improved policing in these areas. Violence and sexual offences also decreased by 33.3%, from nine to six incidents, though this remains above the UK average for this category by 65%. The area’s property crime rate, while lower than the UK average, saw a shift in balance, with shoplifting now accounting for 22.7% of all crimes—a proportion higher than the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. These changes highlight a dynamic crime profile, where retail-focused offences are rising, linked to the area’s built-up character within the New Forest, where local businesses may face unique security challenges.

Marchwood’s crime rate in May 2024 remained stable at 3.8 per 1,000 residents, matching the same figure recorded in the previous month. This consistency suggests no significant short-term fluctuation in criminal activity, though localized factors may still influence patterns. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately one reported crime per day in May, a figure that aligns with the area’s low overall rate compared to national averages. When considering the monthly exposure, over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 266 residents—a statistic that contextualizes the frequency of incidents in a way that reflects the area’s small population. With 5,851 residents, the low crime rate underscores Marchwood’s relative safety, particularly when compared to the UK average. This population-scaled perspective highlights that, despite the 22 total crimes recorded, the impact on residents remains proportionally minimal. The built-up nature of Marchwood within the New Forest may contribute to this, as its rural surroundings could limit opportunities for certain types of crime, such as vehicle-related offences or large-scale theft.