Rushmoor Crime Rate

Rushmoor presents a positive safety profile, with an overall crime rate of 82.3 per 1,000 people per year. This is notably lower than the UK national average of 93.1, earning the district a safety score of 80/100. The area is currently experiencing a downward trend in criminal activity, with crime decreasing by 5.6% year-over-year. For a population of over 105,000, these figures suggest a well-managed and relatively secure environment. Residents benefit from a property crime rate of 26.7 per 1,000, which is also significantly lower than the national average of 32.9. This context sets Rushmoor as a safe local authority area within Hampshire, comparing favourably to many of its regional neighbours.

About Rushmoor

Rushmoor is a local authority district in Hampshire, primarily encompassing the towns of Farnborough and Aldershot. The area is characterised by its strong military heritage, being the home of the British Army, and its significant role in the aerospace industry, notably hosting the Farnborough International Airshow. These factors contribute to a unique demographic mix of long-term residents, military personnel, and a transient population associated with major employers and business parks.

The district is largely urban and suburban, with high-density residential areas interspersed with major commercial and industrial zones. This density, combined with excellent transport links to London and the South Coast, influences the local crime statistics. The presence of large retail centres like those in Farnborough and Aldershot naturally draws higher levels of opportunistic crime such as shoplifting. Economic factors, including a mix of affluent commuter belts and more challenged urban pockets, also play a role in the area's overall crime rate and safety score. Understanding these diverse characteristics helps explain why Rushmoor maintains a safety score of 80/100 despite its urban nature.

Crime in Rushmoor

Crime in the Rushmoor district is predominantly led by violence and sexual offences, which make up 42.7% of all reported incidents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour (10.5%) and shoplifting (10.2%). The high percentage of shoplifting is a reflection of the district's significant retail sectors in Farnborough and Aldershot, which attract a large volume of shoppers and, consequently, opportunistic theft.

Property-related crime in Rushmoor, which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft, occurs at a rate of 26.7 per 1,000 people. This is comfortably below the UK average of 32.9, indicating that the district is generally safer for homeowners than many other urban areas. Burglary itself accounts for only 2.5% of total crime, with a rate of 2.0 per 1,000 residents. Vehicle crime is slightly higher at 5.9% of the total. For residents, this means that while the overall risk to property is lower than the national average, the combination of shoplifting, vehicle crime, and other theft still necessitates a proactive approach to personal and property security. Homeowners should be particularly aware of the potential for vehicle-related offences and criminal damage.

Rushmoor Crime Trends

The crime trend in Rushmoor is currently very positive, with an overall decrease of 5.6% year-over-year. This downward trajectory indicates that the district is becoming progressively safer for its residents. Analyzing the monthly data from the past year shows a degree of consistency with some seasonal variations.

The crime rate hit its lowest point in February and June, both recording 6.1 to 6.2 per 1,000 residents. A notable peak occurred in July, where the rate jumped to 7.9, the highest recorded in the 12-month period. This summer peak is a common trend across the UK as warmer weather typically leads to more social interaction and opportunistic crime. However, the rate quickly subsided and remained stable through the autumn months, with October recording 6.6. This pattern suggests that while residents should remain extra vigilant during the summer, the long-term trend in Rushmoor is one of increasing safety and stability. The district's ability to maintain a rate below the national average throughout the year is a strong indicator of its secure environment.

Within the regional context, Rushmoor occupies a middle ground among its neighbours. Its crime rate of 82.3 per 1,000 is slightly higher than Woking (75.1) but remains well below the national average. Several adjacent areas, including Hart, Surrey Heath, Guildford, Bracknell Forest, and Waverley, report remarkably low crime rates, often near zero in specific statistical categories. This reflects the generally high level of safety across this part of the South East. While Rushmoor is more urbanised than some of these neighbours, its consistent safety score of 80/100 and decreasing crime trend make it a secure and attractive choice for those living in or moving to the region.

Home Security in Rushmoor

Rushmoor’s property crime rate of 26.7 per 1,000 people is a positive indicator for homeowners, sitting well below the UK average. However, with vehicle crime and burglary still present, maintaining high security standards is essential. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV or smart doorbells, are often reactive—they provide you with a recording of an event after it has already occurred. By the time you get a notification, the damage is often done.

For Rushmoor residents who want to move from recording crime to preventing it, scOS offers a proactive solution. As an AI-powered security operating system, scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time. It uses intelligent detection to identify potential threats before they reach your home, distinguishing between a delivery driver and a suspicious individual. With autonomous responses like activating floodlights or sirens, scOS can deter a criminal in the 60 seconds they usually take to decide on a target. In an area where vehicle crime is one of the more common property offences, the proactive vigilance of scOS provides a level of protection that reactive systems simply cannot match. Investing in prevention is the most effective way to safeguard your home and family.

How To Keep Safe in Rushmoor

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Rushmoor. While the district is safer than the UK average and crime is decreasing, taking proactive steps can further enhance your personal safety across the local authority area.

1. Be Mindful in Retail Centres: With shoplifting being a top crime type, be extra vigilant with your bags and personal belongings when shopping in Farnborough or Aldershot town centres.
2. Secure Your Vehicle: Vehicle crime accounts for nearly 6% of total incidents. Always ensure your car is locked, park in well-lit areas, and use a steering lock if you don't have a secure garage.
3. Plan Your Journeys: When out in the evening, stick to well-lit main roads and use reputable taxi services. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or isolated areas of the district.
4. Report Anti-Social Behaviour: ASB is the second most common issue. Reporting incidents to the local council or police helps authorities identify problem areas and allocate resources effectively.
5. Install Motion Lighting: For homeowners, installing motion-activated external lighting can discourage opportunistic anti-social behaviour and criminal damage around your property.