Southampton Crime Rate

Southampton experiences a crime rate of 131.7 incidents per 1,000 residents annually, significantly higher than the UK average of 91.2. This places Southampton amongst areas with elevated crime concerns. While the overall crime trend has remained stable, decreasing by 3.1% year-on-year, specific crime types like Violence and Sexual Offences, Shoplifting, and Anti-social behaviour remain prevalent. Understanding these statistics is crucial for residents and those considering moving to or visiting Southampton. This page provides a detailed breakdown of crime rates, trends, and practical safety advice to help you navigate the area safely and responsibly.

Southampton's crime profile reveals that Violence and Sexual Offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 55.8 per 1,000 residents – 42.3% above the UK average. Shoplifting follows closely, with 13.2 incidents per 1,000, representing a 10.0% increase compared to the national average. Anti-social behaviour, while lower than the UK average at 9.7 per 1,000, still contributes significantly to the overall crime picture. Property crime in Southampton is notably high, standing at 44.2 per 1,000 residents, significantly above the UK average of 30.8. This includes a burglary rate of 4.8 per 1,000, a 40% increase compared to the UK average. The elevated rates of Violence and Sexual Offences, shoplifting, and property crime highlight key areas of concern for residents and authorities.

Overall, crime in Southampton has remained stable, experiencing a slight decrease of 3.1% year-on-year from February 2025 to January 2026. However, this stability masks significant variations across different crime types. While shoplifting has decreased by 5.9% and Vehicle crime has decreased by 14.7%, Robbery has seen an increase of 41.3%, indicating a concerning trend that requires attention. The monthly data reveals fluctuations, with July 2025 recording the highest monthly crime rate (12.4 per 1,000) and December 2025 the lowest (9.6 per 1,000).

How To Keep Safe in Southampton

Given the high rates of Violence and Sexual Offences, residents should be particularly vigilant when out alone, especially at night. Consider travelling in groups and avoiding poorly lit areas. Due to the prevalence of vehicle crime, ensure your vehicle is securely locked at all times, and consider installing an alarm system. With burglary rates above the UK average, reinforcing your home's security with robust locks and visible security measures is essential. Finally, be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the police.

Crime patterns in Southampton vary throughout the day. Burglary risks are slightly higher in the afternoon and night, while vehicle crime is most prevalent during the late-night and early-morning hours. Violence and sexual offences tend to peak in the evening and overnight, particularly on weekends. Understanding these patterns can help residents take precautions and remain vigilant during times of increased risk. For example, securing vehicles overnight is particularly important given the elevated risk of vehicle crime during those hours.

Compared to neighbouring local authorities, Southampton's crime rate of 131.7 per 1,000 residents is higher than Marchwood (44.6 per 1,000) but lower than Netley (72.7 per 1,000). While Marchwood offers a safer alternative, Netley presents a more challenging environment in terms of crime rates. These comparisons highlight the varying levels of safety across the surrounding region.

Traditional CCTV systems offer a reactive solution – they record footage after a crime has occurred. In Southampton, with a burglary rate of 4.8 per 1,000 residents, proactive prevention is key. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, detects threats at your property boundary, preventing break-ins before they happen. Unlike Ring or Nest cameras that simply record, scOS leverages multi-camera intelligence, DVLA vehicle verification, and pattern learning to create an element of surprise for potential intruders, often deterring them before they even attempt entry. The right security system isn’t just about recording; it’s about stopping crime.