Hartley Wintney Crime Rate

Hartley Wintney is a secure and stable urban settlement, featuring an overall crime rate of 58.2 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1, earning the area an impressive safety score of 86/100. However, the crime trend has seen a notable increase of 28.9% over the last year, suggesting that residents should remain vigilant. Property crime is recorded at 21.9 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the national average of 32.9. These figures reflect a community where serious property-related activity is relatively rare, though the recent upward trend in general crime warrants attention. For the 3,835 residents of Hartley Wintney, the area remains one of the safer living environments within the Hart local authority.

Hartley Wintney maintains a moderate crime profile, with the top three categories being violence and sexual offences (35.4%), anti-social behaviour (14.8%), and vehicle crime (11.2%). While violence and sexual offences are the most recorded, property-related crime is a significant factor, with an overall rate of 21.9 per 1,000 residents, which is well below the UK average. This total includes 25 vehicle crimes, 23 instances of criminal damage and arson, 19 'other' thefts, 10 burglaries, and 5 shoplifting offences. The combined rate of burglary and vehicle crime suggests a need for residents to be mindful of home and vehicle security, contributing to the area's overall safety score.

The crime trend in Hartley Wintney has seen a significant increase of 28.9% over the last year. Monthly data shows that crime rates fluctuated throughout the year, with a notable peak in May (8.1 crimes per 1,000) and June (7.3). Activity was lowest in March (1.8) and December (3.1). This upward trajectory is a concern for the community, although the overall crime rate still remains well below the UK average. Residents should be mindful of this change and consider enhancing their personal and property security to adapt to the shifting local safety environment.

How To Keep Safe in Hartley Wintney

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Hartley Wintney, accounting for over a third of all reported incidents. Maintaining personal safety and being aware of your surroundings are the best ways to preserve the town's secure environment.

• Be Aware in Public: Even in safe areas, it is wise to stay observant of your surroundings, especially when walking alone during the evening hours.
• Secure Your Property Exterior: Given that anti-social behaviour is the second most common offence, ensure your property is well-lit and that gates or fences are kept in good repair.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Active community participation is key to Hartley Wintney's safety. Report any anti-social behaviour or unusual activity to local authorities promptly.
• Protect Your Vehicle: Always ensure that valuables are removed and windows are closed, especially if parking on the street overnight, as vehicle crime is a notable component of local activity.
• Use Smart Home Technology: Consider basic smart home features like timer lights to make your home appear occupied when you are away, further deterring the risk of opportunistic theft.

Crime in Hartley Wintney follows distinct patterns throughout the day. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft-related offences are the most common, accounting for 40% and 48% of incidents respectively. This is likely due to daytime activity and visitors in the area. As evening approaches (6pm - 12am), the crime profile shifts, with vehicle crime increasing to 26% and 'other' crimes like public order increasing to 43%. This trend reaches its peak during the night (12am - 6am), where vehicle crime surges to 54% of all recorded incidents. Notably, burglary risk is highest in the afternoon (17%), but remains a factor in the evening and night (both 14%), suggesting property is at a higher relative risk during the latter part of the day.

In comparison to nearby areas, Hartley Wintney's crime rate of 58.2 per 1,000 people is higher than some of its immediate neighbours. Elvetham Heath (43.2) and Hook (49.4) recorded lower rates, and nearby Dogmersfield reported 0.0 crimes. However, Hartley Wintney's rate is significantly lower than that of Phoenix Green (107.0). Hartley Wintney serves as a primary urban hub for these smaller villages, which naturally leads to a higher volume of reported incidents. Despite this, Hartley Wintney's safety profile remains strong and far superior to many other UK towns of similar size, making it a secure choice for residents in the region.

With a property crime rate of 21.9 per 1,000 people, residents of Hartley Wintney should consider the limitations of traditional security. Standard CCTV and doorbell cameras are reactive; they only provide footage of an incident after it has occurred. For Hartley Wintney residents who want a higher standard of safety, a proactive solution like scOS is recommended. scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that focuses on preventing crime before it occurs. By monitoring your property boundaries with multi-camera intelligence, scOS can identify suspicious activity in real-time. If a potential intruder or vehicle-related threat is detected, the system can trigger autonomous responses—such as activating lights or speakers—to deter them immediately. This destroys the element of surprise and prevents the crime from ever taking place. Moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention is the best way to ensure your home remains a safe haven in this community.