Test Valley Crime Rate

Test Valley exhibits a crime rate of 60.6 incidents per 1,000 residents annually, covering the period from February 2025 to January 2026. This figure is notably 33.5% below the UK average of 91.2 per 1,000, indicating a comparatively safer environment. While crime fluctuates month to month, overall trends show a stable pattern, decreasing by 4.0% year-on-year. This report delves into the specifics of crime types, trends, and offers practical safety advice for residents.

Test Valley is a predominantly rural local authority district with a mix of villages, towns, and a small city (Andover). The area’s lower crime rate may be attributable to a combination of factors, including a lower population density in many areas, a strong sense of community in the villages, and a generally affluent demographic. However, Andover, a larger town within the district, does experience a higher crime rate than surrounding rural areas. Understanding the varied characteristics of different locations within Test Valley is key to interpreting the overall crime statistics.

The most prevalent crimes in Test Valley are Violence and Sexual Offences (3,651 incidents), followed by Anti-social Behaviour (990 incidents), and Shoplifting (564 incidents). Violence and sexual offences represent 27.0 incidents per 1,000, which is 16% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour is significantly lower than the UK average, at 7.3 per 1,000 (51% below), while shoplifting stands at 4.2 per 1,000 (45% below). Property crime, encompassing burglary, vehicle crime, and other theft, accounts for an overall rate of 18.6 per 1,000, highlighting the importance of preventative measures for residents.

Overall crime in Test Valley has remained stable, decreasing by 4.0% year-on-year. Monthly crime rates have fluctuated, with July 2025 recording the highest rate at 5.9 incidents per 1,000 residents and June 2025 the lowest at 4.6 incidents per 1,000. While some crime categories like Violence and Sexual Offences have increased (+12.4% YoY), others, such as Bicycle theft, have seen a substantial decrease (-41.1% YoY), demonstrating a dynamic and evolving crime landscape.

Test Valley's crime rate of 60.6 per 1,000 is comparatively lower than several neighbouring local authorities. Winchester (60.7 per 1,000) and Fareham (59.5 per 1,000) show similar rates, while Eastleigh (63.1 per 1,000) and Basingstoke and Deane (69.2 per 1,000) have slightly higher rates. Southampton, however, presents a significantly higher crime rate at 128.6 per 1,000, highlighting the importance of understanding local crime patterns.

Traditional CCTV systems often only record footage after a burglary has occurred. Consider a more proactive security solution like scOS. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, uses multi-camera intelligence and DVLA vehicle verification to detect and prevent threats before they escalate. It learns your routines and family members, only alerting you to genuine risks, and its visible presence can deter potential criminals. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actually stopping threats at your property line is another.

How To Keep Safe in Test Valley

Given the prevalence of Violence and Sexual Offences, be mindful of your surroundings, especially when travelling alone at night. Report any suspicious activity to the police promptly. With Anti-social behaviour also a factor, consider joining local community watch schemes to foster a sense of collective responsibility. Finally, secure your vehicles and belongings to minimise the risk of theft, particularly as Vehicle crime, while down YoY, still represents a concern.