Eastleigh Crime Rate

Eastleigh's crime statistics reflect its status as a busy transport and residential district. The area has an overall crime rate of 63.1 per 1,000 people, which is notably lower than the UK average of 91.7. This is accompanied by an excellent safety score of 84/100, well above the national benchmark of 79. The crime trend in Eastleigh is currently decreasing, showing a 5.3% reduction year-over-year. While these figures indicate a safe environment, the district's role as a major hub means that certain urban areas experience more activity than the surrounding villages. The following analysis provides a deeper look into the specific types of crime prevalent in Eastleigh and how the district compares to its neighbours.

About Eastleigh

Eastleigh is a major town and administrative district in Hampshire, situated between the cities of Southampton and Winchester. It is characterised by its historic railway heritage, a bustling town centre, and a significant residential population. The presence of Southampton Airport and the junction of the M3 and M27 motorways makes Eastleigh a key transport and logistics hub for the region, which can influence crime statistics due to the high volume of transient people and commercial activity.

Economically, Eastleigh relies on a mix of retail, manufacturing, and service industries, which drive daytime activity. The town also offers a variety of leisure and entertainment options, contributing to the local atmosphere. These factors, combined with the district's role as a popular commuter location, mean that crime rates are often influenced by activity in the commercial hubs and transport centres. While Eastleigh has many quiet residential areas, the concentration of people in the urban core and near major transport links is a primary factor in the reported crime figures. The district also encompasses several smaller villages, providing a mix of urban and semi-rural environments.

Crime Breakdown in Eastleigh

In Eastleigh, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types, accounting for 4,197 reported incidents or 46.5% of the total crime. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 12.0% and shoplifting at 7.5%. These figures highlight that personal safety and social conduct are the primary areas of concern for the local community and law enforcement.

Property crime in Eastleigh occurs at a rate of 18.2 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average. This category is comprised of shoplifting (7.5%), other theft (6.4%), vehicle crime (4.4%), and burglary (2.9%). While burglary rates are relatively low at 1.8 per 1,000, the level of shoplifting and other theft suggests that opportunistic offences are a persistent issue, particularly in the district's commercial areas. For homeowners, the combined impact of vehicle crime and theft-related offences means that maintaining good security is important to protect properties and assets in both urban and suburban settings. The protection of retail businesses is also a key priority for the local economy.

Crime Trends in Eastleigh

The crime trend in Eastleigh is currently decreasing, with a year-over-year change of -5.3%. This indicates that the volume of reported incidents is on a downward trajectory, which is a very positive sign for the district. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a relatively stable pattern with some minor fluctuations.

The rate was at its lowest in the winter months, with January and February recording just 4.8 and 4.7 per 1,000 people respectively. Activity peaked in July 2025, reaching 6.5 per 1,000, before settling back to a consistent level around 5.1 to 5.2 for the remainder of the year. This pattern suggests that crime in Eastleigh may increase slightly during the summer months when there is more outdoor activity. Overall, the consistent downward trend and the high safety score of 84/100 confirm that Eastleigh remains a very secure and stable residential community. Understanding these monthly shifts can help residents better prepare and secure their properties throughout the year.

When comparing Eastleigh to the wider region, it occupies a middle ground. Its crime rate of 63.1 per 1,000 is significantly lower than the neighbouring city of Southampton, which has a much higher crime volume. However, Eastleigh is notably more active than its other immediate neighbours; Winchester, Fareham, Gosport, New Forest, and Test Valley all report near-zero crime in comparative data. This contrast highlights Eastleigh's role as a major hub for the district, attracting more people for work, transport, and retail, which naturally leads to higher reported crime figures than the surrounding residential and rural areas. For those looking for a balance between urban life and safety, Eastleigh remains a very secure and stable option in the heart of Hampshire.

With a property crime rate of 18.2 per 1,000 people, Eastleigh residents should prioritise effective home security to protect against theft and burglary. Most traditional security systems are reactive, meaning they only alert you or record footage once a crime has already begun. In a district where violence and anti-social behaviour are the top concerns, a reactive approach is often insufficient to prevent damage or loss.

scOS offers a proactive solution by using AI to detect potential threats at the perimeter of your property. Rather than just recording a burglary, scOS is designed to prevent it. The system's multi-camera intelligence watches for suspicious patterns and can autonomously trigger deterrents like lights and alerts to scare off intruders before they can cause damage. For Eastleigh homeowners, this means moving from simply having evidence of a crime to stopping it from happening in the first place. Investing in professional-grade, proactive protection like scOS is a powerful way to ensure your home stays safe in a busy transport and commercial hub.

How To Keep Safe in Eastleigh

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in Eastleigh, followed by anti-social behaviour. To stay safe, particularly in the town centre and around major transport links after dark, it is important to remain aware of your surroundings and avoid poorly lit or isolated areas.

Stick to well-populated routes and try to travel with others late at night. If you are using public transport or visiting the town centre, use reputable taxi services and be mindful of your personal belongings in crowded public spaces to prevent opportunistic theft. To combat anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, ensure your property's exterior is well-lit and consider joining a local neighbourhood watch group to stay informed about issues in your specific area. Business owners should be particularly vigilant against shoplifting, which is a notable concern in the district's retail hubs. By staying vigilant and taking these practical precautions, you can help ensure your personal safety while enjoying everything Eastleigh has to offer.