Hexham Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile in Hexham during December 2024 reveals a distinct emphasis on violent and anti-social offences compared to property-related crimes. With a total crime rate of 4.3 per 1,000 residents—39.4% below the UK average—the area demonstrates a safer-than-average environment. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime mix, accounting for 55.6% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (13.3%) and other theft (8.9%). This pattern contrasts with the UK average, where property crimes typically hold a larger share. Seasonal factors likely contributed to this balance: the holiday period, coupled with darker evenings and empty homes during Christmas, may have increased opportunities for violent incidents and anti-social behaviour. The relatively low incidence of burglary (2.2% of total crimes) and shoplifting (6.7%) suggests that Hexham’s built-up area within Northumberland—likely a small town with limited retail density—may not face the same pressures as larger urban centres. The absence of significant theft from the person or vehicle crime further supports this interpretation, pointing to a community where public spaces are less crowded and commercial activity is more subdued during winter. These patterns align with Hexham’s character as a low-density, rural-adjacent town where social interactions are more contained, and community cohesion may act as a deterrent to certain crime types. However, the prominence of violence and anti-social behaviour indicates areas for targeted intervention, particularly during periods of heightened social activity.

December 2024 saw notable shifts in Hexham’s crime mix, with violent offences increasing by 31.6% compared to November, driven by a rise in violence and sexual offences from 19 to 25 incidents. This surge aligns with the seasonal context of the Christmas period, when heightened social interactions and darker evenings may contribute to increased conflict. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 50%, reflecting a 2-incident increase, possibly linked to festive gatherings or disturbances. Conversely, public order offences fell by 33.3%, and other theft decreased by 20%, suggesting some moderation in opportunistic crime during the month. The burglary rate saw a 100% increase, jumping from zero to one incident, which could be attributed to vacant homes during the holiday season. Hexham’s violent crime rate (2.4 per 1,000) remains 6% below the UK average, while anti-social behaviour (0.6 per 1,000) is 36% below the national figure. These discrepancies highlight Hexham’s unique dynamics: while the town may experience spikes in specific crime types during holidays, its overall crime profile remains significantly lower than the UK average. For residents, the 31.6% rise in violence and sexual offences is a critical data point, underscoring the need for community vigilance during the festive season.

Hexham’s crime rate in December 2024 (4.3 per 1,000) represents a 12.5% increase from the previous month’s rate of 3.9 per 1,000, yet it remains substantially lower than the UK average. Over the course of December, one reported crime occurred for every 231 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the area’s relative safety compared to larger urban centres. On a daily basis, Hexham saw an average of one crime per day, a figure that, while not insignificant, is consistent with the town’s low-density character. This daily rate is particularly noteworthy for residents, as it provides a tangible benchmark for assessing personal risk: the likelihood of encountering crime in Hexham is significantly lower than in most UK areas. The population-scaled perspective further illustrates this safety: with 10,393 residents, the town’s crime burden is distributed across a relatively small community, where local policing and community engagement may play a stronger role in crime prevention. This contrasts sharply with the UK average, where higher population densities and more complex urban environments often correlate with higher crime rates. Hexham’s built-up area within Northumberland—likely a small town with limited commercial zones—further supports the low incidence of property crimes, as seen in the 68% deficit in burglary rates compared to the UK. These comparisons reinforce Hexham’s position as a safer, more manageable environment for residents, even as seasonal fluctuations occasionally elevate specific crime types.