Botley Crime Rate

Botley is an urban settlement that presents a more active crime profile than many of its immediate neighbours. The area has an overall crime rate of 127.1 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the UK national average of 91.7. This is reflected in a safety score of 65/100, which is lower than the UK average safety score of 79. Most notably, crime has increased by 28.6% over the past year, indicating a significant upward trend in local activity. Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour and public order offences. Property-related crime stands at 28.3 per 1,000, which is slightly below the national average but a key concern for the community. This introduction provides a starting point for understanding Botley's unique safety dynamics and how they compare to the wider region.

In Botley, the crime breakdown is led by violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and public order incidents. Violence and sexual offences are the most frequent, representing 54.7% of all reported crimes (150 incidents). Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 12.4%, while public order offences account for 8.4% of the total.

The property crime rate in Botley—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—is 28.3 per 1,000 residents. While this is lower than the UK national average of 32.3, it is higher than many of its immediate neighbours. Vehicle crime (6.6%) and other theft (4.7%) are the most frequent property-related issues. Burglary accounts for 4.0% of total crime, with 11 incidents reported over the year. Criminal damage and arson also represent 5.8% of the local data. For residents, this indicates that while personal safety and community conduct are the most frequent concerns, property-related crime is a more significant factor here than in surrounding villages. The timing of these incidents is also notable, with vehicle crime peaking significantly during the night-time hours (51% of night-time offences).

Botley has seen a significant 28.6% increase in crime over the last year, a trend that stands out in the Eastleigh region. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a consistently active environment. The year began with a high crime rate of 14.9 in December, which then dipped in the early spring. However, activity climbed steadily through the summer, peaking at a high of 20.4 in July. The autumn months remained active, with rates consistently above 11.0, before a slight decline to 7.9 in November. This pattern suggests that Botley experiences sustained high crime levels throughout much of the year, with a particularly active summer period. For residents, the overall annual increase highlights the importance of remaining vigilant and informed about local safety issues.

How To Keep Safe in Botley

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Botley, making up over 54% of all reports. To stay safe, it is important to maintain situational awareness, especially when walking alone at night. Stick to well-lit paths and avoid shortcuts through more isolated areas. If you are out in the evening, sharing your location with a friend or family member can provide an extra layer of security.

Vehicle crime is a significant issue at night, accounting for 51% of all reported incidents during those hours. To protect your car, always ensure it is locked and that no valuables—including electronics or loose change—are left visible. If possible, park in a well-lit driveway or a locked garage. Using a physical deterrent like a steering wheel lock can also discourage opportunistic thieves.

Given the 28.6% increase in crime, home security should be a priority. Ensure all ground-floor windows and doors are locked at night and when you are away from home. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common crime here, so consider installing motion-activated external lighting and keeping your property's perimeter secure with well-maintained fencing and locked gates. These simple measures can significantly reduce the risk of your home becoming a target for opportunistic crime.

In Botley, crime patterns shift markedly throughout a 24-hour period. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the dominant concern, accounting for 37% and 42% of crimes respectively. This suggests that daytime activity is primarily focused on opportunistic theft. As evening approaches, the mix changes; 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order, become the most frequent at 39%. The night-time period (12am - 6am) sees a dramatic spike in vehicle crime, which rises to 51% of all reported incidents. Burglary is most likely to occur in the afternoon (23%), but remains a steady factor in the evening and night as well (20% and 19%). These trends indicate that while personal and property theft are daytime priorities, vehicle security is the single most important consideration for residents during the overnight hours.

Botley stands out in its local regional context due to its higher crime rate of 127.1 per 1,000. When compared to nearby Hedge End, which has a rate of 54.4, or Horton Heath at 29.8, Botley is significantly more active. It is also a stark contrast to the surrounding rural parishes of Durley, Curdridge, and Curbridge, all of which maintain a crime rate of 0.0. For those considering the region, Botley represents the most active urban centre in this part of Eastleigh. This higher level of activity, combined with a 28.6% annual increase in crime, suggests that residents should be more mindful of security than those in the quieter surrounding villages.

Botley’s property crime rate of 28.3 per 1,000 residents, combined with a significant 28.6% annual increase in crime, underscores the need for effective residential security. A critical concern for Botley homeowners is vehicle crime, which accounts for a substantial 51% of all night-time offences. Traditional security systems like standard CCTV or DIY video doorbells are often reactive; they record a crime as it happens but do little to stop it. In contrast, scOS offers proactive AI-powered protection. By monitoring all camera feeds with boundary-line intelligence, scOS can identify a potential intruder or vehicle thief before they reach your property. The system can then trigger autonomous responses, such as activating floodlights or audible warnings, to deter the criminal in the critical 60 seconds before they act. For Botley residents, this means moving beyond simple recording to active prevention, ensuring that your home and vehicles are protected by a system that intervenes in real-time to stop threats before they escalate.