Hedge End Crime Rate

Hedge End is a well-regarded urban settlement that offers a high standard of safety, evidenced by its safety score of 88/100. The area's overall crime rate stands at 52.5 per 1,000 people, which is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6. Furthermore, Hedge End has seen a significant improvement in its crime statistics over the past year, with a 10.2% decrease in total reported offences. This data, covering January to December 2025, positions Hedge End as one of the safer urban areas within the Eastleigh local authority. While the presence of major retail centres influences certain crime types, the overall residential environment remains secure and continues to trend in a positive direction for its 25,315 residents.

Crime in Hedge End is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 39.5% of all reports (524 incidents). Notably, shoplifting is the second most common crime, accounting for 17.9% of the total with 238 incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 12.3%. These figures highlight that while personal safety is a primary focus, retail-related crime is a significant factor in the local statistics, likely due to the area's prominent shopping districts.

Property crime in Hedge End occurs at a rate of 18.4 per 1,000 residents, which is well below the UK average of 32.2. This category includes burglary (2.5%), vehicle crime (2.8%), and other theft (4.7%), alongside the high shoplifting rate. For homeowners, the burglary rate is relatively low at 1.3 per 1,000 people, suggesting that residential break-ins are not the primary driver of crime in the area. However, the high volume of shoplifting and theft in the vicinity indicates a transient population of opportunistic offenders, which necessitates robust property security to prevent spill-over into residential streets. Residents should be particularly mindful of vehicle security and perimeter protection to deter these opportunistic elements.

Hedge End is currently experiencing a positive trend in crime reduction. Total offences have decreased by 10.2% year-over-year, indicating a significant improvement in local safety. Monthly data from 2025 shows that crime rates were highest during the summer months, peaking at 5.5 per 1,000 in July, before steadily declining toward the end of the year.

The lowest crime rates were recorded in February (3.0) and January (3.6), with December also ending the year on a lower note at 3.6. This suggests that while there is some seasonal variation—likely linked to increased outdoor activity and retail traffic in the summer—the overall direction is one of increased security. For residents, this double-digit percentage decrease is a reassuring sign that Hedge End is becoming an even safer place to live, with local initiatives and policing successfully curbing criminal activity across the settlement.

How To Keep Safe in Hedge End

The most common crime in Hedge End is violence and sexual offences, representing 39.5% of reported incidents. While this is a broad category, personal safety remains a priority for residents and visitors alike.

To enhance your safety, particularly when walking near retail parks or transit hubs, remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Stick to well-populated and well-lit paths, especially during the evening hours. If you are a regular commuter or late-night walker, carrying a personal safety alarm or using a location-sharing app with family can provide additional peace of mind.

Given that shoplifting and other thefts are also prevalent, be mindful of your belongings in public spaces. Ensure bags are zipped and never leave valuables on display in your car, even for short periods. For business owners in the area, investing in high-quality surveillance and staff training on loss prevention is essential. For residents, fostering strong relationships with neighbours through a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme can help in reporting suspicious activity early and keeping the community secure.

Crime in Hedge End follows distinct temporal patterns. During the morning and afternoon, theft-related offences are the most common, accounting for 45% and 48% of crimes respectively. This coincides with peak operating hours for the area's retail centres and increased foot traffic. As the day progresses, the focus shifts; in the evening, 'other' crimes—which include anti-social behaviour and public order offences—rise to 54% of all incidents.

The night-time (12am to 6am) brings a higher concentration of property and vehicle crime. Vehicle crime reaches its highest proportional peak at 31% during these hours, while burglary also peaks at 20%. These statistics suggest that offenders target residential areas and car parks when they are least likely to be observed. For residents, this highlights the importance of securing vehicles and homes before nightfall, as the cover of darkness is clearly utilised by those committing property-related offences in the area.

In the local context, Hedge End compares favourably to several surrounding areas. It is significantly safer than Botley, which has a much higher crime rate of 124.4 per 1,000 people, and is also more secure than West End (Eastleigh) at 70.6. However, it does have a higher crime volume than smaller, more rural neighbours like Horton Heath (29.8) and Durley, which recorded no crime. For residents, Hedge End provides the amenities of a larger built-up area while maintaining a safety profile that is superior to many comparable towns in Hampshire. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking a balance of convenience and security.

Hedge End’s property crime rate of 18.4 per 1,000 is relatively low, but the high incidence of shoplifting in the area suggests a presence of opportunistic offenders. For homeowners, traditional security measures like basic CCTV are often insufficient because they are reactive—they provide evidence of a crime after it has occurred. To truly protect your home, a proactive approach is required.

scOS is an AI-powered security operating system designed to prevent crime before it happens. By monitoring your property boundaries with multi-camera intelligence, scOS can identify suspicious patterns and potential threats in real-time. Unlike DIY systems that merely notify you of a person's presence, scOS can distinguish between a delivery driver and a potential intruder. If a threat is detected, the system can autonomously engage deterrents like lights and speakers. In an area like Hedge End, where most burglars make a decision within 60 seconds, the visible and active deterrence of a system like scOS is often enough to make them move on to an easier target.