Monthly Crime Statistics

Southampton Crime Rate January 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Southampton recorded 2,867 crimes in January 2025, a rate of 11.1 per 1,000 residents—56.3% above the UK average. Drug-related crimes surged by 52%, highlighting a significant trend in local crime patterns.

2,867
Total Crimes
11.1
Per 1,000 People
7.1
UK Average
+5.5%
vs Previous Month

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Southampton’s crime rate in January 2025 stood at 11.1 per 1,000 residents, placing the city 56.3% above the UK average of 7.1. This figure, translating to 2,867 total crimes, highlights the area’s elevated exposure to criminal activity. The breakdown of crimes reveals a dominance of violent offences, which accounted for 40.7% of all incidents, followed closely by shoplifting (9.5%) and anti-social behaviour (9.5%). These patterns align with Southampton’s status as a major urban centre, where high foot traffic, nightlife activity, and a mix of residential and commercial zones create conditions conducive to certain types of crime. Seasonal factors also play a role: January’s post-holiday period and shorter days likely contribute to reduced outdoor crime. The city’s rate of violence and sexual offences—4.5 per 1,000—exceeds the UK average by 79%, a gap that may reflect broader social or economic pressures. Meanwhile, shoplifting and public order offences also show significant deviations from national averages, with the former 77% above and the latter 96% above. These figures suggest that targeted strategies, such as enhanced surveillance in retail areas or community engagement initiatives, may be necessary to address specific vulnerabilities. The data also reveals a complex picture of crime, where some categories—like theft from the person—decline (by 22.9%) due to seasonal trends, while others, such as drug-related offences, surge sharply. This interplay of factors underscores the need for a nuanced approach to policing and crime prevention in Southampton.

January 2025 saw a 52% increase in drug-related crimes, rising from 98 to 149, a jump that outpaces other categories. This surge, coupled with a 29.5% rise in anti-social behaviour, points to shifting dynamics in public safety. Meanwhile, vehicle crime fell by 34.4% (from 186 to 122), a drop that may reflect reduced commuter activity during the post-holiday period. The breakdown of crimes reveals that violence and sexual offences—accounting for 40.7% of total incidents—remain 79% above the UK average, a disparity that underscores the area’s unique challenges. Theft from the person decreased by 22.9% (from 35 to 27), a trend that could be linked to seasonal factors such as shorter days and reduced retail footfall. These fluctuations illustrate the month’s volatility in crime patterns and the need for targeted interventions.

Southampton’s crime rate in January 2025 rose to 11.1 per 1,000 residents, a 5.5% increase from the previous month’s 10.5. This translates to roughly 92 crimes reported daily, a figure that underscores the persistent pressure on local policing resources. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 90 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the frequency of incidents in a densely populated urban area. When scaled to the city’s population of 259,424, this rate reveals a stark contrast to the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000, with Southampton’s figures reflecting a combination of local factors. The population-scaled perspective suggests that residents face a higher likelihood of encountering crime compared to the national average, though the city’s infrastructure and community initiatives may offer some mitigation. These metrics provide a tangible benchmark for assessing progress in crime prevention strategies over time.

Crime Breakdown - January 2025

Crime TypeCountPer 1,000% of Total
Violence and sexual offences1,1684.540.7%
Shoplifting2721.19.5%
Anti-social behaviour2721.19.5%
Public order2260.97.9%
Criminal damage and arson2020.87.1%
Other theft1850.76.5%
Drugs1490.65.2%
Vehicle crime1220.54.3%
Burglary1070.43.7%
Other crime560.22%
Possession of weapons370.11.3%
Theft from the person270.10.9%
Bicycle theft240.10.8%
Robbery200.10.7%

About Our Crime Statistics

Official government data sources for Southampton

4,683+
UK Locations Monitored
8.2M+
Data Records
100%
Government Sources

Crime Rate Methodology

We determine crime rates by calculating recorded offences per 1,000 residents. This standardised metric enables meaningful comparisons between different-sized regions across the UK.

Information Sources

Official UK government databases provide all crime and demographic information, including Police.uk for offence records and ONS for population data. Statistics are compiled across town, district, and national boundaries.

Mathematical Formula

Rate per 1,000 = (Offences / Population) × 1,000

We exclusively use official UK government information sources:

  • Police.ukRecorded crime data from England and Wales' 43 territorial police forces
  • Office for National StatisticsDemographic data and Crime Survey statistics
  • Home OfficeNational offence records and crime policy information
  • FOI RequestsSupplementary data from direct police force requests
We monitor crime data across 4,683+ locations throughout England and Wales, covering the majority of significant towns, cities, and county areas. Updates occur promptly following new official data releases (approximately monthly), with historical records preserved for trend tracking.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0

scOS is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.

Page updated: 5 March 2026

New data is released by Police.uk approximately once a month