Emsworth Crime Rate

Emsworth is a notably safe coastal settlement, featuring an overall crime rate of 52.9 per 1,000 residents. This figure is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.1, contributing to an impressive safety score of 87/100. Recent data indicates a positive trend for the area, with crime rates decreasing by 13.9% year-over-year. This downward trajectory suggests that Emsworth is becoming increasingly secure for its 12,182 inhabitants. The following statistics provide a detailed breakdown of the local safety landscape, offering insights into the types of offences most common in the neighbourhood and how they fluctuate over time.

Crime Breakdown in Emsworth

In Emsworth, the criminal landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 272 incidents or 42.2% of all recorded crime. This is followed by other theft at 10.6% and anti-social behaviour at 8.7%. While these figures represent the most frequent reports, it is essential to consider the broader impact of property-related crime on the community.

Property crime in Emsworth, which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft, occurs at a rate of 19.0 per 1,000 residents. Specifically, vehicle crime makes up 4.5% of total offences, while burglary accounts for 3.0%. Although the overall crime rate is lower than the national average, the concentration of theft-related activities during daylight hours suggests that residents and homeowners should remain vigilant regarding the security of their premises and personal belongings throughout the day.

Crime Trends in Emsworth

The crime trend in Emsworth is currently very positive, with a year-over-year decrease of 13.9%. This significant reduction indicates that the area is becoming safer over time. Analysis of the monthly data shows that the crime rate per 1,000 residents remained remarkably stable for much of the year, hovering around 3.9 to 4.1 between December 2024 and March 2025.

A notable exception occurred in April 2025, where the rate spiked to 5.8 per 1,000. However, this appears to have been a temporary fluctuation, as the rate quickly settled back down, ending the period at 4.1 in October 2025. The overall trajectory suggests that despite minor monthly variances, the long-term trend is one of improvement, with local initiatives or policing likely contributing to the double-digit percentage drop in total offences.

How To Keep Safe in Emsworth

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Emsworth, accounting for 42.2% of the total. While the overall crime rate is low, personal safety remains a priority. To enhance your security in the area:

1. Stick to well-lit, populated routes when walking alone after dark, particularly near the harbour and transport hubs.
2. Be aware of your surroundings in the town centre during the evening, and consider using a personal safety app or carrying a personal alarm.
3. Ensure your home is visible from the street; well-maintained hedges and adequate outdoor lighting can deter anti-social behaviour near your property.
4. If you witness suspicious activity, report it to the local police immediately to help maintain the area's declining crime trend.
5. Secure your vehicle, especially at night, as vehicle crime accounts for a higher percentage of offences during the early hours.

Crime Time Patterns in Emsworth

Crime in Emsworth follows distinct temporal patterns, with different offences peaking at various times of the day. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the predominant concern, accounting for 55% and 59% of crime respectively. This suggests that retail and personal theft are most common during business and shopping hours. As the day transitions into the evening, the nature of recorded crime shifts, with 'Other' offences (including anti-social behaviour) rising to 49%.

The night-time hours (12am to 6am) present a different risk profile. While overall crime volume is lower, vehicle crime spikes significantly, making up 33% of all reports during this period. Burglary also reaches its highest proportional peak at 16% during these early hours. These patterns indicate that while the town is active and relatively safe during the day, property and vehicle security become paramount once residents have retired for the night.

When comparing Emsworth to its immediate neighbours, it sits comfortably as one of the safer options in the region. Its crime rate of 52.9 is very similar to Southbourne (51.5) and lower than Westbourne (60.1). Most notably, Emsworth is significantly safer than Havant, which experiences a much higher crime rate of 122.0 per 1,000 people. While the rural area of North Hayling reports zero crimes, Emsworth remains a highly secure choice for those seeking an urban settlement with strong safety credentials in the Hampshire and West Sussex border area.

Home Security in Emsworth

With a property crime rate of 19.0 per 1,000 residents, Emsworth is safer than many UK towns, but residents should not become complacent. Property-related offences, including burglary and vehicle theft, still account for a significant portion of local police reports. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV or doorbell cameras, often only provide a recording of an event after it has occurred, which does little to prevent the loss of property or the violation of personal space.

To truly protect your home in Emsworth, a proactive approach is required. Systems like scOS utilise artificial intelligence to monitor your property's boundaries in real-time. Rather than simply alerting you when a door is opened, scOS identifies potential threats before they reach your home, using autonomous responses like activating lights and speakers to deter intruders. This shift from reactive recording to proactive prevention is essential for maintaining the high safety standards Emsworth residents enjoy, ensuring that potential burglars move on before an offence is even committed.