Hexham Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Hexham, a built-up area within Northumberland, recorded a crime rate of 5.5 per 1,000 residents in October 2024, placing it 32.1% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This consistent underperformance relative to national figures reflects the area's generally safe environment, shaped by its rural character and relatively low population density. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 33.3% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (19.3%) and criminal damage and arson (14.0%). These patterns align with Hexham's demographic and geographic profile, where community cohesion and limited urban density may contribute to lower rates of violent crime. However, the presence of criminal damage and arson above the UK average (36% higher) suggests a need for targeted interventions, possibly linked to seasonal factors such as Halloween or increased rural activity. October's darker evenings and the transition to winter may also influence crime patterns, with anti-social behaviour and public order offences more likely to occur in areas with limited lighting. Despite these localized challenges, the overall crime rate remains significantly lower than the UK average, indicating a resilient local environment. The seasonal context of October—characterized by shorter days and the Halloween period—may further amplify certain types of crime, such as anti-social behaviour, while reducing opportunities for outdoor criminal activity. These dynamics highlight the combination of geography, seasonality, and community factors in shaping Hexham's crime profile.

October 2024 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories, with vehicle crime surging by 200% from one to three incidents. This increase, though small in absolute terms, may reflect heightened activity during darker evenings or seasonal travel patterns. Conversely, burglary fell sharply by 75%, dropping from four to one incident, potentially indicating improved security measures or seasonal inactivity in residential areas. Anti-social behaviour, which constitutes nearly 19.3% of all crimes, remained below the UK average by 15%, suggesting effective community engagement or policing efforts. Another key finding is the 36% increase in criminal damage and arson compared to the UK average, a category that may be influenced by local factors such as rural land use or seasonal events. The rise in possession of weapons, from zero to one incident, highlights a specific concern that warrants attention. These shifts illustrate how crime patterns can vary significantly even within a low-crime area, influenced by both local conditions and broader seasonal trends.

Hexham's crime rate in October 2024 rose 9.6% from September's 5.0 to 5.5 per 1,000 residents, marking a slight upward trend. While this increase is modest, it contrasts with the area's consistent position well below the UK average. Locally, this translates to roughly two crimes reported per day over the 31-day period, a figure that reflects Hexham's generally low-crime environment. On a monthly basis, 1 in every 182 residents experienced a reported crime, a ratio that underscores the area's relative safety compared to national benchmarks. This exposure rate is particularly notable when considering Hexham's population of 10,393, which means the majority of residents are unaffected by crime in any given month. The shift from September to October also coincides with seasonal changes, including darker evenings and the Halloween period, which may influence patterns of anti-social behaviour and public order incidents. However, the overall trend remains one of stability, with no sharp spikes in crime that would suggest a significant deterioration in safety.