Hexham Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For residents of Hexham, the crime rate of 5.0 per 1,000 residents in July 2023 translates to a daily risk of roughly 2 crimes per day—a figure that feels even lower when considering the area's overall safety profile. This rate is 39.8% below the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000, reflecting a pattern consistent with smaller, less densely populated areas where community cohesion and local policing may reduce opportunities for crime. The most common incidents were anti-social behaviour and violence and sexual offences, each accounting for 36.5% of all reports. These figures may be linked to the seasonal context of July, a peak summer month in Hexham with schools out, festivals, and increased tourism. The high proportion of anti-social behaviour could be influenced by the convergence of local residents and visitors in public spaces, though the absence of major nightlife or retail hubs suggests this category is shaped by more transient interactions. Meanwhile, the relatively low levels of property crime—just 21% of total reports—contrast with the UK average, where property crime typically dominates. This divergence may reflect Hexham's character as a small, rural-adjacent town with fewer high-value targets compared to urban centres. The seasonal context also means that outdoor events and summer festivals, while increasing informal social interactions, may not drive the same volume of crime as in larger cities.

July 2023 saw a 100% increase in vehicle crime, rising from 0 to 2 incidents—a sudden shift that may reflect changes in parking patterns or increased vehicle presence during summer events. Shoplifting also rose by 66.7%, climbing from 3 to 5 incidents, though this remains well below the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. Conversely, public order offences plummeted by 86.7%, dropping from 15 to 2, possibly due to a reduction in summer festivals or improved community engagement efforts. The crime mix shows a notable skew toward violent and anti-social behaviour, with these categories making up 73% of all reports, compared to the UK average where property crime typically dominates. Anti-social behaviour in Hexham is 27% above the UK average of 1.4 per 1,000, suggesting local factors—such as the concentration of events or public spaces—may amplify this category. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences are 35% below the UK average, a divergence that could reflect Hexham's lower population density or the absence of high-risk environments like late-night venues. For residents, the daily crime rate of 2 incidents per day provides a concrete benchmark for understanding local safety, though the overall low rate means most households will likely go months without encountering crime.

Hexham's crime rate in July 2023 fell by 32.5% compared to the previous month's rate of 7.4 per 1,000, marking a significant decline that may be tied to seasonal factors or the conclusion of local festivals in June. On a daily basis, 2 crimes were reported in July—a figure that, while not negligible, is consistent with the area's historical trends of low-frequency, high-impact incidents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 200 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low risk residents face compared to larger urban areas. With a population of 10,393, this means that even if every resident were to experience a crime, the number would be spread across a large number of households. The population-scaled perspective also highlights the stark contrast with the UK average, where the equivalent figure would be one crime per 120 residents. This difference suggests that Hexham's built-up area, while not immune to crime, benefits from factors like lower population density, limited commercial activity, or effective local policing that mitigate the risks associated with larger, more complex urban environments.