Southampton Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Southampton during December 2025, 9.3 crimes were reported, placing the city 32.9% above the UK average of 7.0 per 1,000. This rate, while not uncommon for a major urban centre, translates to a tangible daily risk for residents, with approximately 78 crimes occurring each day. The crime profile reflects a combination of the city's urban fabric and seasonal rhythms, with violence and sexual offences (39.6% of all incidents) dominating the statistics. This category alone is 44% above the UK average, a disparity that may be influenced by the city's dense population and the social dynamics of its bustling town centre. Shoplifting, another major concern, accounts for 9.9% of all crimes and remains 58% above the national average, likely exacerbated by the Christmas shopping peak and the presence of multiple retail hubs. Anti-social behaviour, though slightly below the UK average, still constitutes 9.0% of all incidents, pointing to ongoing challenges in managing public order in high-traffic areas. The seasonal context of December—characterised by dark evenings, empty homes over the holidays, and the party season—may contribute to the persistence of certain crimes, though the overall rate has shown a slight downward trend compared to previous months.

December saw a 25% increase in burglary, with 120 incidents reported, marking a sharp rise from November's 96. This surge may partly explain the continued dominance of property crimes in the city's crime profile. Meanwhile, vehicle crime dropped by 42.5%, a decline that could reflect reduced traffic during the holiday season or improved security measures at car parks and commercial zones. Other crime rose by 40.6%, driven by a 13-point increase in reported incidents, suggesting a shift in criminal activity towards less traditional categories. Violent crimes, which account for 39.6% of all incidents, remain 44% above the UK average, a disparity that highlights the city's particular challenges in managing public safety during the festive period. The 13.4% drop in shoplifting, despite the Christmas shopping peak, indicates possible success in retail security efforts, though the category still remains 58% above the national average.

Southampton's crime rate in December 2025 dropped by 7.5% compared to November's 10.1 per 1,000, settling at 9.3 per 1,000. This decrease aligns with the typical seasonal dip seen in some urban areas during the early winter months, though the rate remains higher than the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 78 crimes per day, a figure that translates to a local resident encountering one reported crime for every 107 people over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate underscores the persistent presence of crime in a city with a population of 259,424, where the density of commercial and residential zones likely amplifies opportunities for certain offences. While the overall rate has fallen from the previous month, the distribution across crime types remains uneven, with violent and property crimes continuing to dominate the statistics. The population context further highlights that even with a 7.5% reduction, the absolute number of crimes still reflects a significant challenge for local policing and community safety initiatives.