Totton Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Totton's crime rate in February 2026 stands at 4.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 32.8% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This performance contrasts sharply with the national picture, where higher urban centres typically report elevated rates. The area's crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 39.3% of all reported crimes—1.7 per 1,000 residents. This category alone is 27% below the UK average, a trend consistent with Totton's position as a built-up area within the New Forest, where community cohesion and policing presence may contribute to lower levels of serious violence. Shoplifting follows as the second most common crime, with 17 incidents reported (1.7 per 1,000 residents), 21% above the UK average. This anomaly may be linked to Totton's proximity to retail hubs in nearby towns, where seasonal shopping patterns in February—though subdued by winter conditions—could still drive minor thefts. Public order offences, at 11 incidents (0.4 per 1,000), are 2% below the UK average, suggesting a relatively stable environment for public gatherings and events. The overall crime picture in February aligns with the season's characteristics: a pre-spring lull in outdoor activity, which likely reduces opportunities for vehicle crime and burglary. However, the winter months also bring increased indoor gatherings, contributing to the higher proportion of violence and sexual offences. While Totton's crime rate remains well below the UK average, the data highlights specific areas for targeted local policing strategies, particularly in addressing shoplifting and ensuring continued reductions in violent crime.

February 2026 saw significant fluctuations in crime patterns compared to January. Other crime increased by 300% (from 1 to 4 incidents), a sharp rise that may reflect underreporting in previous months or new criminal activities emerging in the area. Shoplifting surged by 183.3% (from 6 to 17 incidents), a 21% jump above the UK average, indicating a potential need for enhanced retail security measures. Robbery also doubled from 0 to 2 incidents, though this remains within the UK average. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 75% (from 8 to 2 incidents), 71% below the UK average, possibly due to reduced outdoor activity during winter. Burglary decreased by 75% (from 4 to 1 incident), 100% below the UK average, a trend that could be attributed to Totton's built-up area status within the New Forest, where lower population density and rural surroundings may deter intrusions. The category of violence and sexual offences decreased by 38% (from 71 to 44 incidents), 27% below the UK average, a notable shift that may be linked to seasonal factors such as reduced social interactions during colder months. These changes highlight the dynamic nature of local crime trends, with some categories showing marked improvement while others require closer monitoring. Residents may find the 21% above UK average for shoplifting particularly relevant, as it underscores the need for vigilance in retail areas despite the overall positive trend in crime reduction.

Totton's February 2026 crime rate of 4.3 per 1,000 residents marks a 21.7% decrease from the previous month's rate of 5.5 per 1,000, reflecting a continued downward trend in local crime. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 4 crimes per day over the 28-day period, a figure that contextualises the monthly total in terms of immediate community impact. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 231 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average, though no direct comparison is available due to the absence of national monthly exposure figures. When scaled to Totton's population of 25,840, the 112 reported crimes represent a relatively low level of risk for individual residents, particularly in comparison to larger urban centres. This population-scaled perspective suggests that Totton's built-up area within the New Forest maintains a safer environment than many comparable regions, potentially due to its unique blend of rural and urban characteristics. The 21.7% monthly decline is consistent with seasonal patterns observed in similar areas, where the pre-spring lull in outdoor activity contributes to reduced opportunities for property crimes and burglary. However, the persistent above-average rates for shoplifting and certain other crime categories indicate that targeted interventions may still be necessary to address specific vulnerabilities within the local community.