Hexham Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Hexham’s crime picture in September 2024 was defined by an unexpected surge in burglaries, a sharp contrast to the area’s generally low crime profile. The overall crime rate of 5.0 per 1,000 residents placed the built-up area 35.1% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, a gap that persisted despite a 26.9% month-on-month increase from August. Violence and sexual offences (20 incidents) remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 38.5% of all crimes, though their rate was 27% below the UK average. This was followed by anti-social behaviour (6 incidents) and shoplifting (6 incidents), both of which were significantly below national benchmarks. The seasonal context of September—marked by the return of students to local institutions and the onset of shorter evenings—may have influenced patterns, with anti-social behaviour declining by 53.8% compared to August. However, the 300% rise in burglaries, from one to four incidents, defied expectations and deserves closer attention. This spike occurred in a context where property crime overall was 11.5% of the total, lower than the UK average for property crime. The area’s rural-urban balance, with Hexham’s built-up core surrounded by Northumberland’s open landscapes, may have created conditions where isolated properties became vulnerable. Meanwhile, shoplifting’s 200% increase, though still below UK levels, suggests potential pressures on retail environments during the back-to-school period. These dynamics illustrate how local factors—seasonal transitions, population movements, and the physical layout of the area—interact to shape crime trends, even in places with historically low rates.

September saw a dramatic 300% increase in burglaries, rising from one to four incidents. This spike, though small in absolute terms, contrasts with a 66.7% drop in vehicle crime, which fell from three to one. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category (38.5% of total crimes).9 per 1,000 was 27% below the UK average. Shoplifting also surged by 200%, reflecting a 12% deficit compared to the UK average of 0.7 per 1,000. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour dropped by 53.8%, from 13 to six incidents, a shift that may reflect the seasonal transition as students returned to local campuses. For residents, the 26.9% month-on-month increase in overall crime rate serves as a reminder that even small fluctuations can be significant in a low-crime area.

Hexham's crime rate in September 2024 rose by 26.9% compared to August, moving from 3.9 to 5.0 per 1,000 residents. This increase, while notable, remains 35.1% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. Locally, this translates to roughly two reported crimes per day on average, a figure that may feel more tangible to residents. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 200 residents, a monthly exposure that places Hexham among the safest areas in the UK for this period. The population context further underscores this: with 10,393 residents, the absolute number of crimes (52) remains low even when scaled against the local population. This contrast between the modest daily frequency and the broader UK context highlights the area’s distinct crime profile, shaped by its rural-urban balance and seasonal rhythms.