Waterlooville Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 saw Waterlooville's crime rate at 5.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 12.5% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This marked contrast with national trends was most striking in shoplifting, which occurred at 1.0 per 1,000 residents — 72% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. Bicycle theft also stood out, with a rate of 0.1 per 1,000 residents — 150% above the UK average of 0.0 per 1,000. These anomalies suggest a unique local dynamic, likely tied to Waterlooville's proximity to major retail corridors and commuter routes. The area's crime profile was dominated by violence and sexual offences (38% of all crimes), followed by shoplifting (18.5%) and anti-social behaviour (12.8%). This pattern aligns with the built-up nature of Waterlooville within Havant, where high foot traffic in commercial zones may contribute to property crimes. Seasonal factors also played a role: February's typically low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull may have reduced opportunities for vehicle crime and burglary, which were both 40-60% below UK averages. However, the sharp rise in shoplifting and bicycle theft suggests that retail and transportation hubs remain vulnerable points. The area's relatively low overall crime rate — 12.5% below the UK average — reflects its status as a suburban community with limited industrial activity, though targeted interventions may be needed to address the specific spikes in certain offence categories.

February 2026 revealed sharp month-on-month changes in Waterlooville's crime profile. Criminal damage and arson surged by 183.3%, jumping from six to 17 incidents — a stark increase that may reflect seasonal transitions or localized tensions. Bicycle theft also saw a 100% rise, with three incidents reported in February compared to zero in January, possibly linked to increased cycling during colder months. Robbery incidents doubled to two. Conversely, burglary fell by 60% (from five to two), likely due to seasonal factors and reduced outdoor activity. The crime mix shifted significantly: property crimes (79) accounted for 40.5% of all reported incidents, while violent crimes (74) made up 38.0%, maintaining a near-even balance between property and violent crime. This contrasts with UK averages, where property crimes typically dominate. Shoplifting remained 72% above the UK average, with 36 incidents in a month — a rate of 1.0 per 1,000 residents. Residents may find the 72% disparity in shoplifting particularly concerning, as it suggests vulnerabilities in local retail security measures. The 150% above UK average rate for bicycle theft (0.1 per 1,000) further highlights the need for targeted prevention efforts in transportation hubs.

Waterlooville's crime rate in February 2026 rose by 3.7% compared to January's 5.4 per 1,000 residents. below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly seven crimes per day — a figure that may seem high to residents but is contextually moderate given the population of 34,696. Over the course of February, one reported crime occurred for every 178 residents — a monthly exposure rate that, while not extreme, underscores the need for vigilance. This statistic is particularly meaningful for local families, as it illustrates the frequency of incidents within the community's social fabric. When compared to the UK average, Waterlooville's performance in several categories is noteworthy: anti-social behaviour (23% below UK average) and vehicle crime (43% below) suggest effective local policing or community engagement in these areas. However, the 72% above UK average rate for shoplifting indicates a gap in retail security measures that may require targeted intervention. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that while the overall crime rate is lower than the UK average, certain categories like shoplifting and bicycle theft demand focused attention to prevent further divergence from national trends.