Hexham Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

A sharp rise in bicycle theft dominated Hexham’s crime picture in September 2023, marking a 100% increase from August. This unexpected spike in a category typically associated with seasonal cycles like university freshers or commuter activity raises questions about local factors. The overall crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 residents placed Hexham 33.8% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, a position consistent with its character as a small built-up area in Northumberland. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 36.4% of all crimes, slightly below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000, while anti-social behaviour made up 25.5%—a notable category given Hexham’s mix of rural and urban influences. Seasonal context suggests that the return to school and university term patterns may have contributed to increased anti-social behaviour. Property crimes, including shoplifting and criminal damage, remained well below UK averages, consistent with Hexham’s low-density environment where public spaces are more open and surveilled. The month’s crime profile highlights a generally safe area, though the bicycle theft anomaly warrants attention. With September marking the transition to shorter evenings, patterns of outdoor activity may have shifted, affecting crime types. This data underscores the need for continued monitoring of emerging trends in an area where crime remains significantly lower than national benchmarks.

September 2023 saw a 100% increase in bicycle theft, the most striking monthly change, rising from zero to one reported incident. This anomaly contrasts with a 66.7% drop in vehicle crime, which fell from three to one, likely reflecting reduced parking congestion as university term began. Anti-social behaviour surged by 40%, reaching 14 incidents—a figure that, while below the UK average, highlights local pressures tied to seasonal transitions. Violent crime, at 20 incidents (36.4% of total crimes), remained 31% below the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000, reinforcing Hexham’s position as a relatively safe area. The drop in other theft (42.9%) and public order offences (40%) may indicate improved community policing or natural deterrents linked to increased foot traffic in public spaces. Drug-related crimes rose by 50%, from two to three incidents, a figure that is 50% above the UK average of 0.2 per 1,000. This increase, though small in absolute terms, suggests a need for targeted interventions in specific areas or demographics. Residents may find the daily crime rate—roughly two incidents per day—helpful in contextualising local safety, though the overall trend remains reassuringly low compared to national figures.

Hexham’s crime rate in September 2023 rose by 7.7% compared to August, moving from 4.9 to 5.3 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, contrasts with the broader UK trend of declining crime rates in many urban centres. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately two crimes per day, a figure that, while low, reflects the small population of 10,393 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 189 residents—a monthly exposure rate that is exceptionally low compared to national averages. This statistic underscores Hexham’s status as a safer area, even as localised increases in specific categories like bicycle theft and drug-related offences emerge. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Hexham’s crime rate is not just numerically lower than the UK average but proportionally more significant given its smaller size. For example, the 50% increase in drug-related crimes—rising to three incidents—represents a larger relative shift than it would in a more densely populated area. This context is critical for residents, who may perceive the overall safety of Hexham as stable despite these fluctuations. The comparison with the previous month also highlights the importance of monitoring trends in a small area where even minor changes can have outsized impacts on perceived safety.