Locks Heath Crime Rate

Locks Heath is characterised by its high level of safety, boasting an overall crime rate of 50.7 per 1,000 residents. This is substantially lower than the UK national average of 93.1, earning the area a superior safety score of 87/100. Despite a recent year-over-year increase in crime of 9.0%, Locks Heath remains one of the more secure locations in the Fareham local authority. The property crime rate is particularly impressive at just 15.7 per 1,000 people, compared to the UK average of 32.9. This context suggests that while there has been a slight uptick in reported incidents, the area maintains a peaceful residential character. The following analysis provides a deeper look into the specific types of crime and the patterns of activity within the neighbourhood.

Crime in Locks Heath

Violence and sexual offences represent the most significant portion of reported crime in Locks Heath, accounting for 45.1% of all incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour (10.2%) and shoplifting (8.9%). While personal safety is a primary concern given these figures, property-related crime also warrants attention. The overall property crime rate—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—is 15.7 per 1,000 people. This is remarkably low compared to the UK average of 32.9, suggesting that Locks Heath is a relatively secure environment for homeowners. However, vehicle crime (4.4%) and burglary (2.8%) still occur, often as opportunistic acts. For residents, the data indicates that while the area is statistically very safe, maintaining high standards of home and vehicle security is essential to mitigate the risk of being targeted by the small percentage of property-focused offenders.

The crime trend in Locks Heath is currently increasing, with a 9.0% rise in total offences over the last 12 months. Monthly data shows that the crime rate fluctuated between a low of 3.6 in February 2025 and peaks of 4.8 in March and May 2025. While the overall rate remains low at 50.7 per 1,000, this upward movement indicates a shift in the local environment that warrants attention. The most recent months of late 2025 show the rate stabilizing around 3.7 to 4.7. For residents, this trend means that while Locks Heath remains a very safe area compared to the national average, the slight increase in activity suggests that maintaining robust personal and property security is more important now than in previous years.

How To Keep Safe in Locks Heath

The most frequent crime type in Locks Heath is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 45.1% of all reports. While the overall volume is low, personal safety remains paramount. To stay safe, always be aware of your surroundings when walking in public areas, particularly during the evening. If you are out after dark, try to stay with a group and stick to well-lit, familiar paths. Secondly, trust your instincts; if a situation or person makes you feel uncomfortable, move to a busy, well-lit area immediately. For those using public transport or taxis, ensure you use reputable companies and share your journey details with a friend or family member. Finally, keeping your mobile phone charged and easily accessible is a simple but effective precaution. Personal safety is often about awareness and taking proactive steps to avoid vulnerable situations.

Crime in Locks Heath follows clear temporal trends. During the morning (6am-12pm), theft is the dominant concern, representing 48% of all incidents. This peaks in the afternoon (12pm-6pm) at 53%, likely due to activity around local shops and commercial centres. As evening approaches (6pm-12am), 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, rise to 46%. The night-time period (12am-6am) presents a different risk profile; while overall volume is lower, vehicle crime surges to 43% of all reported incidents in this window. Burglary risk is also notably higher during the night (16%) and afternoon (15%), suggesting that both unoccupied daytime homes and quiet overnight properties are targeted. Residents should be particularly vigilant about vehicle security overnight, as this is when the majority of such offences occur.

Locks Heath compares very favourably to its surrounding areas. With a crime rate of 50.7, it is safer than both Whiteley (60.9) and Hamble-le-Rice (56.4). This makes it an attractive option for those seeking a lower-crime environment within the Fareham and Southampton corridor. While it cannot match the zero-crime figures of very small, private areas like Segensworth or the Hook Park Estate, Locks Heath offers a rare combination of urban convenience and a high degree of personal and property security. Locally, it is regarded as one of the safest significant settlements in the region.

With a property crime rate of 15.7 per 1,000, Locks Heath is statistically safe, but the 9.0% increase in overall crime suggests that residents should not be complacent. Traditional security often fails because it is reactive; a Ring or Nest camera might show you a video of your car being broken into, but it doesn't stop the thief. In a low-crime area like Locks Heath, the goal is to prevent the rare incident from ever occurring. This is where scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, excels. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property's perimeter and identifies threats before they reach your home. It can distinguish between a neighbour walking their dog and a stranger loitering near your vehicle. If a genuine threat is detected, scOS can autonomously engage deterrents like high-intensity lighting or audible warnings. This proactive approach destroys the element of surprise that burglars rely on. For Locks Heath homeowners, scOS provides a level of professional-grade protection that turns a safe home into an impenetrable one.