Andover Crime Rate

Andover is a safe and thriving market town in Hampshire, serving as the primary urban centre for the Test Valley district. It currently holds a safety score of 81/100, which is above the UK average of 79. The town's annual crime rate is 73.6 per 1,000 people, significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.6. Notably, Andover is experiencing a positive shift in its security landscape, with crime rates decreasing by 9.1% year-over-year. This downward trend, combined with a property crime rate that is less than half the national average, makes Andover a secure choice for residents. While the town faces typical urban challenges, the data shows a community that is becoming safer over time. This report breaks down the local statistics to provide a clear picture of safety in Andover.

In Andover, violence and sexual offences represent the most significant portion of recorded crime, accounting for 51.2% of all incidents with a rate of 37.7 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common at 12.2%, followed by public order offences at 8.0%. When considering property crime as a whole—which includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—the rate in Andover is 15.6 per 1,000 people. This is remarkably low, especially when compared to the UK average property crime rate of 32.2. Burglary itself is relatively rare, making up just 2.9% of total crime. This suggests that while personal-related offences are the most reported, the physical risk to property and homes in Andover is significantly lower than in many other urban settlements. For residents, this data indicates a generally secure environment for property, though the high percentage of violence and sexual offences highlights where public safety awareness should be focused.

Andover is currently experiencing a significant downward trend in crime, with a 9.1% decrease year-over-year. A review of the monthly data for 2025 shows that the crime rate per 1,000 residents remained relatively stable for much of the year, with notable peaks in March and July, both reaching 6.8. These peaks often correspond with seasonal changes and school holidays. The year ended with a rate of 5.7 in December, matching the levels seen at the start of the year in January and February. The consistent reduction over the 12-month period suggests that local law enforcement and community safety initiatives are successfully curbing criminal activity. For residents, this trend is highly encouraging, indicating that Andover is not only safer than the national average but is also becoming progressively more secure over time.

How To Keep Safe in Andover

The highest crime type in Andover is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for over half of all recorded incidents. To stay safe, it is important to be aware of your surroundings, especially during the evening and night hours in the town centre. Stick to well-lit main roads and try to travel with others when possible.

Given that anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue, staying engaged with your local neighbourhood through community groups or social media can help you stay informed about any local hotspots. To protect your property against the 15.6 per 1,000 property crime rate, ensure your home is well-secured. Since 23% of burglaries occur at night, always double-check that windows and doors are locked before bed. Use motion-activated external lighting to eliminate dark spots around your property, which is a proven deterrent for opportunistic thieves. For vehicle owners, ensure no valuables are left on display, as even small items can attract attention. Finally, consider installing a visible, professional security system; the presence of high-quality protection is often enough to make a potential offender choose a different target.

Crime in Andover follows distinct temporal patterns throughout the day. The morning hours (6am-12pm) are heavily dominated by theft-related offences, which account for 45% of crimes during this period, likely linked to the opening of retail and commercial spaces. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft remains the primary concern at 47%, while burglary activity also begins to rise, accounting for 20% of incidents. The evening (6pm-12am) sees a shift, with 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, becoming more prominent at 52%. Night-time (12am-6am) presents a different risk profile; while overall crime volume may be lower, the likelihood of specific property crimes increases. Burglary reaches its peak during these hours, accounting for 23% of night-time incidents, and vehicle crime also spikes significantly to 29%. This suggests that while daytime crime is largely opportunistic and commercial, night-time crime is more focused on residential property and vehicles while residents are asleep.

As the main urban settlement in the area, Andover naturally has a higher crime rate (73.6 per 1,000) than its smaller, more rural neighbours. Nearby Charlton (Test Valley) reports a rate of 36.2, while Picket Piece stands at 47.2 and Anna Valley and Upper Clatford at 35.3. The village of Enham Alamein reports a negligible crime rate. While Andover's figures are higher due to its larger population and commercial activity, it remains significantly safer than the UK average. For those considering the region, Andover offers the benefits of an urban hub while maintaining a safety profile that is superior to many other UK towns of a similar size. Comparing these local areas highlights Andover's role as a safe central hub for the surrounding villages.

Andover's property crime rate of 15.6 per 1,000 people is impressively low, but the data shows that burglary and vehicle crime still occur, particularly under the cover of darkness. Most traditional security systems are reactive, providing video evidence only after a break-in has happened. For Andover homeowners, a proactive approach is far more effective. The scOS AI-powered operating system changes the dynamic by detecting threats at your property boundary. Rather than just recording a burglary, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to identify suspicious activity in real-time. If an intruder is detected, the system can autonomously respond by activating lights or speakers, deterring the offender before they can cause damage or gain entry. With 23% of burglaries in Andover happening at night, scOS's 24/7 vigilant monitoring provides a critical layer of defence. By choosing a system that prevents crime rather than just documenting it, you ensure that your home remains part of Andover's low property crime statistics. proactive AI security is the most effective way to protect your family and assets in a modern urban environment.