Fareham Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Fareham's overall crime rate in January 2026 stood at 4.8 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 29.4% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This figure reflects a combination of local factors, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 46.4% of all crimes, followed by shoplifting (9.9%) and public order offences (9.0%). The seasonal context of January—marked by post-holiday periods, shorter daylight hours, and reduced retail footfall—likely contributes to the observed patterns, as outdoor crimes typically decline during this time. However, the concentration of violent crime remains a critical concern, particularly given its share of total incidents. The area's crime profile suggests a mix of urban and suburban characteristics, with high foot traffic in retail zones potentially driving shoplifting and public order issues. Meanwhile, the relatively low rates of burglary and vehicle crime (0.1 and 0.2 per 1,000 respectively) align with Fareham's lower population density and possibly more secure housing stock. Despite the overall lower rate, the sharp rise in possession of weapons and vehicle crime in January indicates areas for further scrutiny, especially as these trends may reflect broader societal or environmental shifts. The data also highlights Fareham's performance against UK benchmarks, with several categories—such as anti-social behaviour (57% below UK average) and other theft (35% below)—showcasing strengths that could inform future policy or community initiatives.

January 2026 saw a 700% increase in possession of weapons, jumping from 1 to 8 incidents. This sharp rise, while still low in absolute terms, signals a potential shift in local criminal activity patterns. Concurrently, vehicle crime surged by 120%, rising from 10 to 22 cases, possibly linked to seasonal changes in traffic patterns or increased vehicle theft opportunities. Bicycle theft also climbed by 75%, from 4 to 7 incidents, which may reflect heightened activity in areas with student populations or commuter hubs. Violent crimes remained 12% below the UK average, with 257 cases reported. However, the increase in possession of weapons and vehicle crime underscores areas where residents should remain particularly vigilant.

Fareham's crime rate in January 2026 rose 18.2% from the previous month's 4.1 per 1,000 to 4.8 per 1,000, reflecting a notable upward trend. Daily crime counts averaged 18 incidents per day, highlighting the persistent presence of criminal activity within the local community. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 208 residents, a figure that, while lower than the UK average, underscores the need for vigilance. With a population of 115,428, the scale of this monthly exposure places Fareham within a range that aligns with its character as a mixed urban-suburban area. The increase in certain crime categories, such as possession of weapons, suggests shifts in local dynamics that may warrant further attention from residents and local authorities.