Hexham Crime Rate June 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Hexham’s crime profile in June 2023 revealed troubling trends in specific categories, with several notable increases demanding attention from residents. The area recorded a crime rate of 7.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 12.9% below the UK average of 8.5 per 1,000. This figure reflects a combination of local factors and national trends, though the overall rate remains relatively low compared to larger urban centres. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 31.2% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (28.6%) and public order offences (19.5%). These figures suggest a shift in the nature of crime, with interpersonal disputes and disruptive behaviour becoming more prominent. The seasonal context of June—a time when tourism begins to pick up in rural areas like Hexham—may contribute to increased public spaces being used for anti-social activities. However, the rate of violent crime remains 21% below the UK average, indicating that local efforts to address aggression and conflict may be showing some effect. Meanwhile, property crime, though lower in absolute numbers, showed a concerning increase in burglary, which doubled compared to the previous month. The low rates of shoplifting and burglary compared to the UK average suggest that Hexham’s smaller population and rural character may create a different risk profile than densely populated areas. As the summer season progresses, the combination of longer daylight hours and increased foot traffic in Hexham’s historic town centre could continue to influence crime patterns, particularly in public spaces.

June 2023 saw alarming spikes in several crime categories, with public order offences surging by 150% compared to the previous month, rising from 6 to 15 incidents. This increase is particularly concerning, as it suggests a sharp rise in disruptive behaviour in public spaces, which may be linked to the start of the summer season and increased visitor activity in Hexham. Anti-social behaviour also rose dramatically, with a 144.4% increase from 9 to 22 reported incidents. This category, which includes noise disturbances, vandalism, and other community disruptions, now accounts for nearly a third of all crimes in the area. The most significant individual increase was in burglary, which doubled from 1 to 2 incidents—a 100% rise. While this remains a low number, it underscores the vulnerability of homes in Hexham, particularly in areas with transient populations or less visible security measures. Violence and sexual offences, though still the most common category, remained 21% below the UK average. This contrast highlights Hexham’s relatively safer environment for residents compared to national trends, though the localised spikes in public order and anti-social behaviour demand targeted attention. For residents, the 1-in-135 chance of experiencing a crime over the course of the month—based on the 77 reported incidents—provides a tangible measure of risk, though this remains lower than the UK average. The data also reveals a 14.3% decrease in criminal damage and arson, which may reflect seasonal factors or reduced opportunities for such crimes during the summer months.

Hexham’s crime rate in June 2023 rose sharply from 5.1 per 1,000 residents in the previous month to 7.4 per 1,000, marking a 45.3% increase. This upward trend, though still below the UK average, indicates a significant shift in local crime dynamics. On a daily basis, Hexham experienced approximately 3 crimes per day in June, translating to an average of one reported crime for every 135 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure, while modest, underscores the direct impact of crime on the local population. Comparing this to the UK average, Hexham’s overall rate remains 12.9% lower, suggesting that the area’s smaller size and rural character may offer some protective factors against crime. However, the disproportionate rise in anti-social behaviour and public order offences—categories that are 42% and 109% above the UK average respectively—reveals a unique challenge for Hexham. These statistics highlight a growing disparity between Hexham’s local crime patterns and national trends, with public order issues emerging as a critical concern. For residents, the 1-in-135 monthly risk figure serves as a reminder that while the overall rate is relatively low, the nature of crime in Hexham is evolving, requiring tailored approaches to community safety. The contrast between Hexham’s low property crime rates and the sharp increases in interpersonal and public disorder crimes further illustrates the need for targeted interventions that address the specific challenges of a small, historic town with seasonal fluctuations in population.