Test Valley Crime Rate

Test Valley is one of the safest districts in Hampshire, with a current crime rate of 60.5 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.7, contributing to an impressive safety score of 85/100. The area's crime levels are currently stable, showing a 4.8% decrease year-over-year. For the 135,201 residents, these figures represent a secure and peaceful living environment. This report provides a detailed analysis of the local crime statistics to help residents and visitors understand the safety landscape and how it compares to the rest of the UK.

Test Valley is a predominantly rural and suburban local authority in Hampshire, known for its high quality of life and picturesque landscapes. The district encompasses the major towns of Andover and Romsey, along with numerous affluent villages. Its economy is diverse, featuring a mix of agriculture, high-tech manufacturing, and a strong service sector. The area is also home to several military bases, which adds a unique demographic element to the population.

The crime rate in Test Valley is influenced by its relatively low population density and its reputation as a safe, residential area. While the larger towns of Andover and Romsey see higher concentrations of activity, the vast majority of the district remains very quiet. The high level of employment and general economic prosperity contribute to the low crime statistics. However, the area's accessibility via major road networks like the A303 and M27 can occasionally make it a target for opportunistic property crime from outside the district. Overall, Test Valley is one of the safer districts in Hampshire, driven by its stable community and professional demographic.

In Test Valley, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 44.3% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour (11.6%) and shoplifting (7.2%) follow as the next most significant categories. These figures show that while personal safety is a key focus, the overall volume of crime remains low compared to national averages.

When considering property crime as a whole—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—the rate in Test Valley is 18.7 per 1,000 residents. Shoplifting (7.2%) and other theft (6.7%) are the primary contributors to this figure, while burglary (4.4%) and vehicle crime (4.2%) are less frequent. For residents and homeowners, this indicates a very secure environment. However, the fact that property-related offences still occur at a rate of 18.7 per 1,000 means that basic security measures should not be overlooked. The relatively low burglary rate is a testament to the area's safety, but maintaining vigilance remains important for protecting homes and vehicles.

Crime trends in Test Valley have remained stable over the past year, with a modest 4.8% decrease in total offences. Looking at the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025, the crime rate per 1,000 people was consistently low, ranging from a low of 4.4 in January to a peak of 5.9 in July.

The figures for most months hovered around the 5.0 mark, indicating a steady and predictable safety environment. This lack of significant fluctuation suggests that local policing and community safety initiatives are effectively maintaining the area's secure status. For residents, this stability is a reassuring indicator that Test Valley continues to be one of the safest places to live in Hampshire.

Test Valley is situated in a very safe part of Hampshire. When compared to nearby areas like Winchester, which has a nearly identical crime rate of 60.7 per 1,000, Test Valley holds its own as a secure location. Other nearby areas like Eastleigh, Basingstoke and Deane, Southampton, New Forest, and Fareham all contribute to a regional profile where safety is a priority. While some more urbanised neighbours like Southampton may have higher crime concentrations, Test Valley remains a preferred choice for those seeking a safe and stable community in the heart of Hampshire.

With a property crime rate of 18.7 per 1,000 people, Test Valley is a low-risk area, but property owners should still consider their security carefully. The limitation of traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or DIY video doorbells, is that they are reactive. They record a crime as it happens, often providing footage of a loss that has already occurred.

For those who want to prevent crime altogether, scOS offers a proactive solution. This AI-powered security system is designed to detect and deter threats at your property boundary. By identifying suspicious activity in real-time and autonomously activating deterrents like lighting and audio warnings, scOS can stop a crime before it even begins. For homeowners in Test Valley, moving from reactive recording to proactive AI protection means ensuring that your property remains as safe as the statistics suggest.

How To Keep Safe in Test Valley

The most prevalent crime type in Test Valley is violence and sexual offences. While the district is generally very safe, it is always wise to take sensible precautions. Stay aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night in the larger towns like Andover and Romsey. Stick to well-lit, busy routes and avoid isolated areas where possible.

Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue, and residents can help by reporting any persistent problems to the local authorities. For homeowners, simple measures like installing motion-activated lighting around the exterior of your property can act as an effective deterrent against both ASB and criminal damage. Finally, consider joining a local community safety group or Neighbourhood Watch scheme to stay informed about any specific issues in your part of Test Valley. Being proactive and aware is the best way to maintain the area's high safety standards.