Hexham Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Hexham's overall crime rate in January 2024 stood at 4.6 per 1,000 residents, a figure 37.8% below the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000. This marked a continuation of the area’s trend of maintaining lower-than-average crime levels, though the breakdown of incidents reveals a complex picture. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 41.7% of all crimes, followed closely by criminal damage and arson (10.4%) and public order offences (10.4%). The seasonal context of January—characterised by post-holiday periods, reduced retail footfall, and shorter daylight hours—likely contributes to the observed patterns. For instance, the relatively low rates of property crime compared to violent crime may reflect the impact of colder weather on outdoor activities, which can reduce opportunities for theft or burglary. However, the presence of public order offences at a level slightly above the UK average (4% higher) suggests ongoing challenges in managing community behaviour, possibly linked to local social dynamics or events. The area’s position within Northumberland, a rural county with a mix of urban and semi-rural communities, may also influence crime trends, as smaller towns often experience distinct patterns compared to larger cities. These factors, combined with the area’s lower population density, appear to shape Hexham’s crime profile in ways that diverge from national averages.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in January 2024 was the 100% increase in shoplifting, drugs, and vehicle crime, all of which had previously recorded zero incidents. This shift highlights the potential for sudden spikes in specific categories, possibly linked to seasonal or situational factors such as post-holiday retail activity or changes in local demographics. Conversely, anti-social behaviour and burglary both saw significant declines—55.6% and 50%, respectively—suggesting that efforts to address these issues may have yielded short-term results. Violence and sexual offences remained 27% below the UK average (2.6 per 1,000), a stark contrast to the 186% above UK average for possession of weapons (0.2 per 1,000). This disparity underscores the uneven distribution of crime types within Hexham, with violent crime remaining a focal point despite the area’s overall lower rates. For residents, the daily crime count of roughly two incidents per day offers a tangible reference point, illustrating the relatively low frequency of crime in the area compared to national trends. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring specific categories for targeted interventions, particularly as shoplifting and vehicle crime emerge as new areas of concern.

Hexham’s crime rate in January 2024 (4.6 per 1,000) was 4.0% lower than the previous month’s rate of 4.8 per 1,000, indicating a modest but consistent decline in overall crime. This reduction aligns with the seasonal context of January, where shorter days and post-holiday lulls may contribute to lower activity levels. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of two crimes per day, a figure that, while seemingly low, reflects the relatively small population of 10,393 residents. Over the course of the month, this translated to one reported crime for every 217 residents—a monthly exposure rate that places Hexham well below the UK average in terms of frequency. The population-scaled perspective further contextualises these numbers: for a resident of Hexham, the likelihood of being directly affected by crime is significantly lower than in larger, more densely populated areas. However, this comparison also highlights the need for continued vigilance, particularly in light of the unexpected increases in shoplifting and vehicle crime. The interplay between local demographics, seasonal factors, and crime trends underscores the importance of tailored approaches to community safety, ensuring that even low overall rates do not mask emerging risks in specific categories.