South Hayling Crime Rate

South Hayling, an urban settlement in Havant, maintains an excellent safety profile with an overall crime rate of 69.0 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.1. The area enjoys a high safety score of 82/100, which surpasses the national average of 78, reinforcing its reputation as a secure coastal community. Recent trends show that crime is stable, with a marginal 0.7% decrease over the past year. With a property crime rate well below the national average and exceptionally low burglary figures, South Hayling is a secure environment for its 16,227 residents. This report provides a detailed look at local crime statistics, property safety, and emerging trends to help residents stay informed.

In South Hayling, the crime profile is heavily led by violence and sexual offences, which account for exactly 50.0% of all reported incidents with 560 cases. The second most frequent category is anti-social behaviour at 9.7% (109 crimes), followed by criminal damage and arson at 8.8% (99 crimes).

Property-related crime in South Hayling is relatively low, with an overall rate of 19.3 per 1,000 people. This includes 99 cases of criminal damage, 70 shoplifting offences, 68 'other thefts', 28 vehicle crimes, and 24 burglaries. With a burglary rate of only 1.5 per 1,000, the area is one of the more secure locations for homeowners. However, the combined volume of theft and criminal damage suggests that residents should still take proactive steps to protect their property, particularly during the peak summer months when footfall in the area is likely higher. The data suggests that while South Hayling is generally safe, maintaining basic security measures remains a sensible precaution.

The crime trend in South Hayling is currently stable, with a very slight 0.7% decrease in total offences compared to the previous year. A month-by-month look at the data shows that crime rates were lowest in late 2024, with December recording a rate of 4.6. There was a gradual increase through the spring and summer of 2025, with rates peaking in August at 8.0. Since then, the rate has decreased significantly, returning to lower levels in September (4.6) and October (4.8). This pattern suggests that the area experiences a seasonal spike in crime during the summer months, likely linked to increased visitor numbers. For residents, this stability is generally positive, but the summer peak indicates that extra vigilance is required during the busier holiday season. there are no major signs of significant shifts in the area's overall safety.

How To Keep Safe in South Hayling

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in South Hayling, representing 50.0% of all reported incidents. While many of these are not random public acts, staying aware of your personal safety is always recommended for residents and visitors.

• Plan Your Journey: When walking at night, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through unlit coastal paths or alleyways.
• Keep Valuables Hidden: Avoid displaying expensive jewellery or electronic devices when in public to reduce the risk of opportunistic theft.
• Trust Your Instincts: If a situation or person makes you feel uneasy, move to a busy, well-lit area or enter a public building.
• Share Your Location: Use safety features on your smartphone to share your live location with a trusted friend or family member when travelling alone.
• Secure Your Home: Given the 19.3 property crime rate, ensure all doors and windows are locked, even when you are inside, and consider an AI-based security system for proactive protection.

Crime in South Hayling shows distinct variations throughout the day. The afternoon (12pm - 6pm) is a peak time for theft, accounting for 49% of incidents during these hours, likely due to commercial activity and visitors. As evening approaches (6pm - 12am), 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, become more prevalent, making up a significant 61% of reports. Night-time (12am - 6am) is the most critical window for property and vehicle security. Vehicle crime peaks at 28% during these early hours, while burglary accounts for 14% of night-time incidents. Interestingly, burglary is also significant in the afternoon (11%), suggesting that both unoccupied daytime homes and night-time targets are at risk. Understanding these patterns allows residents to be more vigilant during high-risk windows, such as ensuring vehicles are extra secure overnight and homes are locked during the day.

In the local context of Hayling Island and the surrounding coast, South Hayling sits in a relatively secure position. While it has a higher crime rate than the very quiet nearby areas of North Hayling (0.0), West Thorney (16.8), and West Wittering (28.0), it is safer than Stoke, which has a higher rate of 57.9. South Hayling's crime rate of 69.0 reflects its status as a more populated residential and tourist destination compared to its smaller, more rural neighbours, but it remains a very safe choice for those looking to live in the region.

South Hayling's property crime rate of 19.3 per 1,000 people indicates that while the area is safe, property protection should still be a priority. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or video doorbells, are often reactive—they provide footage of an event after it has already occurred. This can be frustrating for homeowners who want to prevent crime, not just record it.

The scOS operating system offers a proactive solution by using AI to detect threats at the property boundary. Instead of just recording a burglary, scOS identifies potential intruders in real-time and can autonomously trigger deterrents like lights and audio warnings. In South Hayling, where burglaries and vehicle crimes are most likely to occur at night, having a system that monitors your home 24/7 with multi-camera intelligence is a significant advantage. scOS learns your family's routines and only alerts you to genuine threats, providing professional-grade security that stops criminals before they can even attempt a break-in. This preventative approach is the most effective way to ensure your home remains truly secure.