Test Valley Crime Rate

Test Valley is one of the safest districts in the United Kingdom, with a safety score of 85/100. The area's annual crime rate is 59.9 per 1,000 people, which sits comfortably below the UK average of 91.6. Furthermore, the district is seeing a positive trend in safety, with crime figures decreasing by 6.1% year-over-year. This combination of low crime and a downward trend makes Test Valley an attractive and secure location for residents and businesses alike. While no area is entirely without crime, the data suggests that Test Valley maintains a high standard of public safety, with property crime rates significantly lower than the national benchmark. This report explores the specific crime types and trends that define the local area.

Test Valley is a predominantly rural and suburban local authority district in Hampshire, known for its picturesque landscapes and the high quality of life it offers residents. The area is anchored by the market towns of Andover and Romsey, which serve as the primary commercial and residential hubs. The district's economy is diverse, featuring a mix of agricultural activity, high-tech manufacturing, and a significant service sector. Its location is a key factor in its crime profile; Test Valley is bisected by the A303 and sits near the M27, providing high connectivity that can occasionally attract transient criminal activity from larger neighbouring cities like Southampton and Winchester. The population is generally affluent, which can make the area a target for property-related offences, though the overall density remains low. The combination of active local communities, a strong police presence, and the rural-urban mix results in a crime rate that is significantly lower than the national average, making it one of the safer districts in the south of England.

In Test Valley, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crimes, representing 44.6% of the total, with a rate of 26.7 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common at 11.7%, followed by shoplifting at 7.2%. When we examine property crime as a whole—including burglary, robbery, vehicle crime, and theft—the district's rate is 18.4 per 1,000 people. This is substantially lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.2, indicating a lower risk environment for homeowners and businesses. Burglary and vehicle crime specifically account for 4.5% and 4.1% of total crime respectively. While these figures are low, the presence of shoplifting as a top three crime type reflects the activity within the district's town centres. For residents, this breakdown suggests that while the risk of serious property crime is relatively low, maintaining vigilance in commercial areas and securing homes against opportunistic theft remains important to preserve the area's high safety standards.

Crime in Test Valley is on a clear downward trajectory, with a 6.1% decrease in total offences compared to the previous year. This positive trend is reflected in the monthly data for 2025, which shows that after a peak of 5.9 per 1,000 in July, the crime rate generally stabilised and trended downwards toward the end of the year, finishing at 4.6 in December. The lowest point of the year was recorded in January at 4.4 per 1,000. These fluctuations are typical for the region, with slightly higher activity often noted during the summer months. The overall reduction suggests that local crime prevention strategies are proving effective. For residents, this means that while the area was already safe, the statistical likelihood of being a victim of crime is continuing to fall, reinforcing Test Valley's reputation as a secure and well-managed local authority district.

Test Valley is situated in a relatively safe part of Hampshire, and its statistics compare favourably with its neighbours. The district's crime rate of 59.9 per 1,000 is slightly lower than that of neighbouring Winchester, which stands at 60.9. Other nearby areas such as Eastleigh, Basingstoke and Deane, Southampton, New Forest, and Fareham provide further context for the region. While some of these areas have different urban and rural mixes, Test Valley's safety score of 85/100 and its consistent downward trend in crime (-6.1%) position it as a regional leader in safety. For those looking for a secure environment in the south of England, Test Valley offers a compelling profile compared to both its immediate neighbours and the wider UK average.

With a property crime rate of 18.4 per 1,000 people, Test Valley is statistically safer than much of the UK, but the risk of opportunistic theft remains. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV or standard alarms, are often reactive—they tell you that a crime has happened after the fact. For residents who want to maintain the high safety standards of the area, proactive protection is a superior choice. The scOS AI-powered home security system is designed to prevent crime before it occurs. By monitoring your property boundaries with intelligent sensors, scOS can distinguish between a delivery driver and a potential intruder. If a threat is detected, the system can autonomously activate lights and speakers, removing the element of surprise and deterring the offender before they even reach your door. In an area like Test Valley, where affluence can attract targeted property crime, having a system that intervenes in real-time provides a level of security that traditional recording devices simply cannot match. Proactive AI detection ensures that your home remains a difficult target, preserving your peace of mind.

How To Keep Safe in Test Valley

The most frequent crime reported in Test Valley is violence and sexual offences. To stay safe, particularly in the larger towns of Andover and Romsey, it is advisable to be aware of your surroundings when out at night. Stick to well-lit areas and plan your journeys home in advance. Utilizing personal safety apps can also provide an extra layer of security when walking alone.

Given that anti-social behaviour and shoplifting are also top concerns, residents and business owners should stay connected through local community groups. For homeowners, protecting against the 18.4 per 1,000 property crime rate involves clear deterrents. Ensure your property is well-maintained and appears occupied even when you are away by using smart lighting. For those in more rural parts of the district, securing outbuildings and farm equipment is essential, as these can be targets for theft. Always ensure that high-value items are not visible from the street and that your home security system is prominently displayed to discourage opportunistic offenders. Joining a local Neighbourhood Watch can also help you stay informed about any specific crime patterns in your immediate vicinity.