Havant Crime Rate

Havant local authority area maintains an overall crime rate of 86.8 per 1,000 residents, a figure that is notably lower than the UK national average of 93.1. This is complemented by a safety score of 78/100, placing the district exactly on par with the UK average for general security. The recent crime trend in Havant is described as stable, with a minor year-over-year decrease of 2.4%. These statistics paint a picture of a well-regulated area where criminal activity is consistent and generally less frequent than in many other parts of the country. For residents and prospective homeowners, Havant offers a statistically safer environment than the national norm, particularly regarding property-related offences.

About Havant

Havant is a diverse local authority area that blends traditional market town characteristics with significant industrial and coastal elements. Historically known for its parchment and glove-making industries, modern Havant serves as a major employment hub for South East Hampshire, hosting significant business parks and retail centres. The area's demographics are influenced by its role as a residential base for both local workers and commuters to nearby Portsmouth and Chichester, creating a mix of high-density urban housing and more affluent suburban pockets.

The crime statistics in Havant are influenced by several key factors. Its position along the A3(M) and M27 corridor makes it highly accessible, which can unfortunately facilitate transient criminal activity. The presence of major retail hubs like the Solent Retail Park contributes to higher shoplifting and opportunistic theft figures. Additionally, the area's coastal stretches and nightlife spots in the town centre can see spikes in anti-social behaviour and public order offences. Economically, the area faces challenges typical of post-industrial towns, which can correlate with crime rates, though its overall safety score remains resilient at the UK average.

Crime Breakdown in Havant

In the Havant local authority area, violence and sexual offences constitute the largest portion of recorded crime, accounting for 5,285 incidents, or 48.0% of the total. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 10.1% and shoplifting at 8.8%. These figures highlight that nearly half of all police activity in the district is focused on personal and public safety offences.

Property crime in Havant, which encompasses burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and arson, occurs at a rate of 23.5 per 1,000 people. This is notably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.9, suggesting that Havant is statistically safer for homeowners than many other parts of the country. Burglary specifically makes up only 1.8% of total crime, with vehicle crime at 2.7%. While violence figures are high, the relatively low rates of residential and vehicle-related theft provide some reassurance to those concerned about the security of their homes and assets. However, the prevalence of criminal damage (6.9%) suggests that vandalism remains a persistent local issue.

Crime Trends in Havant

The crime trend in Havant is currently stable, with a slight 2.4% decrease in total recorded offences over the last 12 months. This indicates that the area is not experiencing the significant spikes in activity seen in other parts of the country. Monthly data from late 2024 through 2025 shows a consistent pattern, with crime rates per 1,000 people generally hovering between 6.6 and 7.9.

The busiest month was July 2025, which saw a peak of 7.9, followed closely by August at 7.8. This slight summer increase is a common seasonal trend in coastal and urban areas. Conversely, the lowest activity was recorded in April 2025 with a rate of 6.6. This narrow range of fluctuation suggests that Havant's law enforcement and community safety measures are effectively managing incident volumes. For residents, this stability provides a sense of predictability and long-term security in the local environment.

In a regional context, Havant occupies a middle ground for safety. Its crime rate of 86.8 per 1,000 is slightly higher than that of Chichester, which stands at 77.9. However, it remains a safer statistical choice than the more densely populated urban centres of Portsmouth and Gosport. Nearby areas like Fareham, East Hampshire, and Winchester also provide a broader context for the region, often showing lower incident volumes in their more rural pockets. For those seeking a balance between urban amenities and residential safety, Havant’s performance—particularly its low property crime rate compared to the UK average—makes it a competitive and secure option within the South East Hampshire corridor.

Havant’s property crime rate of 23.5 per 1,000 is significantly better than the UK average, but this should not lead to complacency. Property crime here is often opportunistic, as evidenced by the higher rates of criminal damage and shoplifting compared to actual burglary. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV, are often reactive—they record an event but do nothing to stop it. For homeowners in Havant, the goal should be prevention.

An AI-powered system like scOS provides a proactive layer of defence that traditional systems lack. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries in real-time, scOS can identify a potential intruder before they even reach your door. Whether it's detecting a vehicle with suspicious plates or recognising a person loitering in a restricted area, scOS can trigger autonomous responses like light and sound to deter the threat. In an area like Havant, where the risk is lower but still present, scOS ensures that your home remains a difficult target, effectively stopping crime before it starts.

How To Keep Safe in Havant

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in the Havant local authority area, making up 48% of all reports. While these figures often include a wide range of incidents, personal safety should remain a priority for everyone in the community.

To stay safe, it is advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night in the more urban parts of the district. Stick to well-traversed, well-lit routes and avoid areas known for anti-social behaviour, which is the second most common issue in the area. If you are a business owner, ensuring that your premises have clear sightlines and robust security can help mitigate the risk of shoplifting. For residents, installing motion-activated lighting around the perimeter of your home can serve as a simple yet effective deterrent against both personal and property-related offences. Finally, staying connected with local neighbourhood watch groups can provide valuable real-time information about safety trends in your specific part of Havant.