Botley Crime Rate

Botley is an urban settlement with a safety score of 66/100, which is below the UK average of 79. The area's overall crime rate is 124.3 per 1,000 residents, a figure that is higher than the national average of 91.6. Over the past year, Botley has experienced a 14.5% increase in total crime year-over-year, based on data from January to December 2025. This upward trend, combined with a crime rate that exceeds national norms, suggests that residents and visitors should be more aware of their surroundings and proactive about personal and property security. For the 2,155 people living in Botley, the statistics highlight a community where personal safety and public order are the main focus of reported incidents, with property crime remaining slightly below national norms.

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Botley, accounting for 52.2% of all reports with 140 incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 14.6% and public order offences at 7.8%. These figures suggest that personal safety and public conduct are the primary areas of focus for the local community.

Property crime in Botley occurs at a rate of 28.8 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly below the UK average of 32.2. This category includes vehicle crime (6.3%), other theft (4.8%), burglary (4.5%), and criminal damage and arson (6.0%). While the overall property crime rate is lower than the national average, the vehicle crime rate of 7.9 per 1,000 and the burglary rate of 5.6 per 1,000 are noteworthy. For residents, this indicates that while the area is relatively safe, property and vehicle security are important. The high percentage of violence and sexual offences suggests that personal safety awareness is also key. Homeowners should ensure that their property security extends to their driveways and that vehicles are never left with valuables on display, as the presence of criminal damage also suggests a risk of opportunistic vandalism.

Botley is currently experiencing an upward trend in crime, with a 14.5% increase in total offences year-over-year. Monthly data from 2025 shows that the crime rate was highest in July at 20.4 per 1,000 residents, a significant spike compared to other months.

Other high-activity months included September (13.9), October (13.0), and December (12.1). The early part of the year saw much lower rates, such as 5.1 in January and 6.5 in March. This 14.5% rise is a significant factor for the community to consider, as it indicates that criminal activity is becoming more frequent. While the overall crime rate still remains relatively high compared to its immediate neighbours, the increasing trend suggests that residents should be more proactive about their personal and property security than in previous years, especially during the summer and winter months.

How To Keep Safe in Botley

The most common crime in Botley is violence and sexual offences, accounting for 52.2% of all reports. Additionally, anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime are significant factors for the local community.

To enhance your personal safety, always remain aware of your surroundings, especially when walking in less-populated areas or near transit hubs in the evening. Stick to well-lit, familiar routes and avoid shortcuts through unlit parks or alleyways. If you are out alone after dark, consider telling a friend or family member your route and expected return time.

Given the high rate of vehicle crime at night (50% of night-time incidents), ensuring your car is parked in a secure, well-lit area is essential. Always remove valuables from sight and ensure all doors and windows are locked. For homeowners, the presence of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage suggests that keeping your property well-maintained and clearly demarcated can deter opportunistic nuisance. Consider joining a local neighbourhood watch group to stay informed about recent activity and to collaborate with neighbours on keeping your street secure. Simple measures, like installing motion-activated lighting, can also be a very effective deterrent.

Crime in Botley follows clear temporal patterns, with a significant shift in crime types across the day. During the morning and afternoon, theft-related offences are most common, peaking at 40% in the afternoon. This likely reflects opportunistic thefts while the community is most active. As the day transitions into the evening, 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order, become more prominent, making up 38% of incidents between 6pm and 12am.

The night-time period (12am to 6am) is particularly notable for vehicle-related crime. During these hours, vehicle crime accounts for a significant 50% of all reported offences, its highest concentration of any time period. Burglary also remains a factor at 22% during the night. These statistics suggest that offenders specifically target Botley's residential streets and driveways under the cover of darkness. For residents, this underscores the critical importance of overnight vehicle security and the use of well-lit parking areas to mitigate the high risk associated with these early morning hours in this historic village.

In the local context, Botley has a significantly higher crime rate than several of its immediate neighbours. Its rate of 124.3 per 1,000 is much higher than Hedge End (52.5) and stands in stark contrast to the very quiet rural areas of Curdridge, Curbridge, and Durley, which all recorded no crime. For those considering the region, Botley offers a historic village setting but currently experiences more criminal activity than the quieter, more rural villages in the vicinity. This local context helps highlight Botley as a more active area in terms of reported incidents compared to its immediate surroundings.

Botley’s property crime rate of 28.8 per 1,000 and its notably high night-time vehicle crime rate (50% of night crimes) present specific security challenges for homeowners. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV, are reactive—they provide footage of a crime after it has already happened. In an area with an increasing crime trend, proactive protection is a much more effective strategy.

scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that focuses on prevention. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property and driveway simultaneously, scOS can detect potential threats before they escalate. The system's ability to distinguish between family members, deliveries, and genuine risks means it provides reliable protection without constant false alerts. If an intruder or suspicious vehicle is detected, scOS can autonomously respond with lights and speakers to deter them. For Botley residents, particularly those concerned about vehicle crime and the rising crime trend, a proactive system like scOS offers the best chance of stopping a crime before it occurs, providing true security for your home and property.