Southampton Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

For a city of 259,424 residents, 2,560 crimes reported in January 2026 translates to one crime for every 101 residents over the course of the month. This equates to a crime rate of 9.9 per 1,000 people, placing Southampton 50% above the UK average of 6.6 per 1,000. The city’s crime profile is dominated by violent and sexual offences, which accounted for 38.2% of all reported crimes—nearly double the UK average for this category. Shoplifting, at 10.8% of total crimes, also significantly outpaces the UK rate, while anti-social behaviour remained slightly below the national average. January’s seasonal context—shorter days, post-holiday retail quietude, and colder weather—likely contributes to patterns observed, such as reduced outdoor crimes but persistent issues in indoor spaces like pubs and town centres. The high proportion of violent offences may reflect factors such as the city’s diverse population, its status as a major UK port, and the density of social hubs in areas like the High Street and Central Southampton. While seasonal factors may temper some crime types, the persistent gap above the UK average suggests structural or demographic factors requiring ongoing analysis.

January 2026 saw sharp increases in bicycle theft (+56.5%), vehicle crime (+46.2%), and drug-related offences (+31.1%) compared to December 2025. These rises may be linked to the post-holiday period, with more cyclists on the roads as weather improved and increased vehicle movement in the port area. Conversely, other theft and burglary both declined—by 16.8% and 15.8% respectively—potentially reflecting reduced retail activity or improved local security measures. Violence and sexual offences remained the largest single category at 38.2% of all crimes, 56% above the UK average, while shoplifting—10.8% of total crimes—was 100% above the national rate. The rate of possession of weapons was 186% above the UK average, a figure that would concern local authorities and residents. For context, the daily crime rate of 83 incidents per day provides a tangible sense of the scale of activity, with some areas experiencing multiple incidents in a single day. These figures underscore the need for targeted interventions in high-risk categories and locations.

Southampton’s crime rate rose by 5.7% from 9.3 per 1,000 in December 2025 to 9.9 per 1,000 in January 2026, reflecting a continued upward trend. On a daily basis, the city experienced an average of 83 crimes each day in January—a figure that, while not directly comparable to UK-wide data, highlights the local intensity of criminal activity. When scaled to the city’s population, the monthly exposure of one crime for every 101 residents illustrates the frequency of incidents residents may encounter. This rate is particularly striking when compared to the UK average, where the equivalent figure would be one crime for every 152 residents. The disparity is most pronounced in violent offences, which were 56% above the UK average, and shoplifting, which was double the national rate. While these figures are stark, they must be contextualised within Southampton’s unique characteristics: a major port city with a large student population, bustling retail areas, and a complex mix of urban and semi-rural zones. The comparison underscores the need for tailored strategies that address local vulnerabilities, such as improving lighting in high-crime areas or enhancing community policing efforts in key neighbourhoods.