East Hampshire Crime Rate

East Hampshire demonstrates a comparatively low crime rate of 48.1 incidents per 1,000 residents annually, placing it well below the UK average of 91.2. The district’s safety score of 88/100 further reinforces this positive assessment. Over the past year, East Hampshire has experienced a decrease of 7.8% in overall crime, indicating a trend toward greater safety. However, certain crime types, such as violence and sexual offences, remain a concern, requiring ongoing attention and preventative measures. This page provides a detailed breakdown of crime statistics and offers practical advice for residents.

East Hampshire's crime statistics are influenced by a blend of factors. The district comprises both densely populated towns and extensive rural areas, creating a varied landscape with differing levels of activity and vulnerability. The presence of commuter settlements contributes to population fluctuations during the week, potentially impacting crime patterns. Demographic factors, such as the age distribution and socioeconomic indicators within specific neighbourhoods, also play a role in shaping the local crime profile. The mix of residential, commercial, and agricultural land use further contributes to the complexity of the area’s safety landscape.

While East Hampshire exhibits a lower overall crime rate than the national average, certain crime types demand attention. Violence and sexual offences account for the largest proportion of reported crimes, totalling 2795 incidents. Anti-social behaviour, with 647 reported incidents, also represents a significant concern. Public order offences follow closely, numbering 496. Property crimes, including criminal damage and arson (487 incidents), other theft (450 incidents), and burglary (296 incidents), collectively contribute to the overall crime picture. Vehicle crime, though lower than the national average, remains a factor with 245 reported incidents, highlighting the need for proactive preventative measures.

Crime in East Hampshire has been steadily decreasing over the past year, with an overall reduction of 7.8%. The month of January 2026 recorded a low of 3.3 incidents per 1,000 residents, a significant improvement compared to the peak of 4.8 in May 2025. While some crime categories, such as violence and sexual offences, have remained relatively stable, others, including vehicle crime and criminal damage, have experienced substantial declines, reflecting positive trends in community safety.

Compared to neighbouring local authorities, East Hampshire fares relatively well. Chichester has a crime rate of 72.7 per 1,000, Havant 83.9, and Rushmoor 80.5. Waverley, however, exhibits a slightly lower rate at 43.7 per 1,000, making it the safest neighbouring area.

Traditional CCTV systems primarily record events after they've occurred, offering little in the way of proactive protection. An AI-powered home security operating system like scOS changes this paradigm. scOS utilizes multi-camera intelligence and vehicle verification to detect threats at the property boundary, proactively preventing crime before it happens. The visible presence of a professional-grade scOS system can deter potential burglars, making that critical 60-second decision they have to make - they move on.

How To Keep Safe in East Hampshire

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Consider carrying a personal safety alarm and avoiding poorly lit areas. Due to the decreasing trend in vehicle crime, ensure your vehicle is locked and valuables are out of sight. Always report suspicious activity to the local authorities. Finally, investing in a robust home security system, potentially including AI-powered threat detection, can provide an additional layer of protection.