Southampton Crime Rate

Southampton is a major urban local authority with a crime rate of 129.8 per 1,000 people, which is notably higher than the UK average of 91.6. The area currently holds a safety score of 68/100, placing it below the national average of 79/100. Despite these figures, the crime trend in Southampton is stable, having seen a minor 2.2% decrease over the last year. This indicates that while the city faces significant challenges, the situation is not escalating. As a regional hub with a busy nighttime economy and large student population, Southampton's crime profile is dominated by violence and shoplifting. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of these statistics and offers practical advice for residents to enhance their personal and property safety.

About Southampton

Southampton is a major port city on the South Coast of England, known for its maritime heritage, two large universities, and significant retail and commercial centres. As a regional hub, its crime statistics are influenced by its high density, vibrant nightlife, and the large number of visitors and students who pass through the city daily. The area features a mix of historic residential neighbourhoods, busy high streets, and industrial zones near the docks, which contributes to its varied crime profile.

The city's role as a major cruise terminal and retail destination, particularly around the Westquay shopping centre, naturally increases the volume of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour reports. The presence of a large student population and a busy nighttime economy in areas like Bedford Place and Oxford Street also influences the prevalence of public order and violence offences. Economic factors associated with both the maritime industry and the service sector are key drivers of local crime dynamics. Understanding this mix of urban, commercial, and educational factors is essential to interpreting the safety score and crime rates for Southampton.

Crime in Southampton

Southampton experiences a high crime rate of 129.8 per 1,000 residents, which is notably above the UK average of 91.6. The most frequent crime category is violence and sexual offences, accounting for a substantial 42.5% of all reported incidents. This is followed by shoplifting at 9.9% and anti-social behaviour at 9.8%. Together, these three categories represent over 60% of all police-recorded activity in the local authority.

Property-related crime in Southampton, which includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, occurs at a rate of 43.1 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK average of 32.2. Specifically, shoplifting is a major issue, representing nearly 10% of total crime, while vehicle crime and burglary account for 5.0% and 3.6% respectively. For residents and homeowners, this means that while personal safety is a primary concern, property security remains essential. The elevated rates of criminal damage (8.4%) and other theft (6.8%) suggest that homes and vehicles are at a higher risk of interference than in many other parts of the country. Securing perimeters and vehicles is a key priority.

Crime Trends in Southampton

The crime trend in Southampton is currently described as stable, with a minor year-over-year decrease of 2.2%. This suggests that crime levels are holding steady. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows some fluctuations throughout the year. The crime rate peaked in July at 12.1 per 1,000 people, followed closely by May and March. These peaks are often associated with seasonal changes and increased public activity in the city.

The lowest crime rates were recorded at the end of the year, with December seeing the lowest rate of 9.3 per 1,000, followed by February and November at 10.1. From March onwards, the rate remained consistently between 10.6 and 12.1 per 1,000, reflecting the city's busy urban nature. The fact that the trend is stable despite these fluctuations is a positive sign that long-term safety is not deteriorating. However, the consistently high monthly figures mean that residents should maintain a steady level of vigilance and property protection throughout the year.

Comparing Southampton to its neighbouring districts in Hampshire reveals a stark contrast in crime volumes. The city's rate of 129.8 per 1,000 is significantly higher than surrounding areas such as Eastleigh, Fareham, New Forest, Winchester, Gosport, and Test Valley, all of which report remarkably lower crime rates in this comparison. This disparity is typical for a major urban and commercial centre when compared to more suburban and rural neighbours. For those considering the region, Southampton offers the amenities of a large city but requires a higher level of safety awareness and more robust property security than the quieter districts that border it.

With a property crime rate of 43.1 per 1,000, Southampton residents face a tangible risk of burglary, theft, and vehicle crime. In this urban environment, traditional security measures often fall short because they are reactive. A standard alarm or camera system only alerts you or records footage after an intruder has already breached your property's perimeter.

scOS offers a proactive alternative by using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to monitor your home's boundaries 24/7. It is designed to prevent crime before it happens. By identifying potential threats in real-time and distinguishing them from normal activity, scOS can trigger autonomous responses such as activating high-intensity lighting or audio alerts. This immediate intervention can disrupt a criminal's plan before they even reach your door. For Southampton homeowners, the visible deterrence of a professional-grade system like scOS is a powerful tool in protecting assets and ensuring peace of mind in a busy urban setting.

How To Keep Safe in Southampton

The most prevalent crime type in Southampton is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for over 42% of all reported incidents. Personal safety in urban environments is a key priority for all residents.

1. When moving around the city, especially in the evenings near nightlife hubs, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through isolated parks or poorly lit alleyways.
2. If you are using public transport or walking near the city centre at night, try to travel in groups and remain aware of your surroundings.
3. Ensure your home is as secure as possible by using high-quality deadlocks on all external doors and keeping windows locked when you are not in the room.
4. Do not leave any valuables in your vehicle. In a busy city like Southampton, even small items left on display can attract opportunistic thieves.
5. Be mindful of your personal belongings in crowded areas, such as shopping centres or transport hubs, to prevent opportunistic theft.
6. Engage with local community policing teams and neighbourhood watch schemes to stay informed about safety initiatives and any specific crime trends in your local neighbourhood.