Southampton Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Southampton’s crime rate in February 2026 stood at 10.0 per 1,000, placing it 56.2% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This figure underscores the city’s position as a major urban centre with consistently elevated criminal activity compared to the national benchmark. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 38% of all reported incidents, with a rate of 3.8 per 1,000—64% above the UK average. Shoplifting followed closely, contributing 12% of total crimes, and its rate of 1.2 per 1,000 was 107% higher than the national figure. These patterns align with Southampton’s status as a tourist hub and retail destination, where commercial areas may attract opportunistic offenders. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—might have influenced the crime mix, though the sharp increase in burglary defies typical seasonal trends. This unexpected rise, coupled with the persistent overrepresentation of violent crime, suggests a combination of local factors, such as targeted criminal activity or shifts in policing priorities. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences also contributed significantly, reflecting the challenges of managing a densely populated urban environment. The city’s crime profile, while stable month-on-month, remains a concern for residents and policymakers alike, necessitating ongoing analysis of both national and local data to inform effective strategies.

February 2026 saw a 30.7% increase in burglary, a stark contrast to the typical winter lull in outdoor crime. This rise, from 101 to 132 incidents, may partly explain the overall 56.2% elevation in Southampton’s crime rate compared to the UK average. Meanwhile, public order offences rose by 24.6%, and anti-social behaviour increased by 14.8%, both reflecting heightened tensions in communal spaces. Robbery and bicycle theft both fell by 33.3%, suggesting that targeted efforts or seasonal factors may have temporarily curbed these specific crimes. The surge in burglary, however, remains a critical concern, with the rate of 0.5 per 1,000 significantly above the UK average of 0.2 per 1,000. This divergence from national trends highlights the need for localized interventions. For residents, the sharp increase in burglary underscores the importance of home security measures, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or during periods of low outdoor activity.

Southampton's crime rate in February 2026 remained stable at 9.9 per 1,000 compared to the previous month, reflecting a 1.3% change. This consistency suggests no major shifts in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, approximately 93 crimes were reported each day in February, a figure that contextualizes the frequency of incidents for residents and visitors alike. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 100 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the ongoing presence of crime within the local population. When viewed through the lens of Southampton’s population of 259,424, this translates to a manageable but non-trivial level of criminal activity, particularly when compared to the UK average. The relatively low daily crime figure, combined with the monthly exposure rate, highlights the need for continued vigilance without implying an immediate crisis. These metrics provide a snapshot of the area’s security landscape, offering insights into how crime is distributed across the community.