Andover Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 saw Andover maintain a crime rate of 5.0 per 1,000 residents, marking a 21.9% reduction compared to the UK average of 6.4. This figure positions the built-up area within Test Valley as one of the safer urban centres in the country. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 51.0% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (10.9%) and public order offences (6.5%). This distribution suggests a focus on interpersonal conflicts and community-level disruptions rather than property crimes, which made up only 24.7% of the total. Seasonal context plays a role in these patterns: winter months typically see reduced outdoor activity, which may explain lower rates of vehicle crime and burglary. However, the persistence of high violent crime rates despite seasonal lulls indicates deeper social or environmental factors at play. The area’s relatively low property crime rate—particularly for shoplifting, burglary, and vehicle crime—suggests effective policing or community engagement strategies in commercial and residential zones. This contrasts with the UK average, where property-related offences tend to dominate. While the overall crime rate is encouraging, the prominence of violence and sexual offences highlights the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas, such as public spaces or nightlife venues, where such crimes are more likely to occur.

February 2026 brought notable shifts in crime trends, with drug-related offences surging by 140% compared to January, the largest single-month increase in any category. This jump—from five to twelve incidents—raises questions about potential changes in local drug markets or policing priorities. Shoplifting also saw a sharp rise of 128.6%, doubling the previous month’s count, though it remained below the UK average for the category. Conversely, vehicle crime plummeted by 70.6%, reflecting either successful crime prevention measures or seasonal factors, as colder weather typically reduces outdoor activity. Anti-social behaviour, which contributes significantly to the UK’s overall crime picture, was 45% below the national average, a consistent feature in Andover’s data. The category’s decline may relate to the area’s compact built-up nature, where community oversight and policing can more effectively deter disruptive behaviour. Violence and sexual offences, however, remained 8% above the UK average, a persistent challenge in urban centres. This discrepancy suggests that while Andover excels in curbing certain crime types, targeted efforts may still be needed to address violent crime, particularly in areas with higher foot traffic or social service demands.

The crime rate in February 2026 fell to 5.0 per 1,000 residents, a 21.8% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 6.4. This drop is particularly significant when compared to the UK average, where the national rate remained steady at 6.4 per 1,000. Locally, the daily crime count averaged 9 incidents per day over the 28-day period, a figure that, while modest, underscores the ongoing need for vigilance. On a monthly scale, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 201 residents—a statistic that, when contextualised against the area’s population of 49,613, illustrates a relatively low risk of personal involvement in crime. This monthly exposure rate is lower than many comparable urban areas, reinforcing Andover’s position as a safer built-up area. The contrast with the previous month’s higher rate highlights the volatility of crime trends, even within a single year. While the overall decline is encouraging, the persistence of certain categories—such as violence and sexual offences—suggests that targeted interventions may be necessary to sustain this downward trajectory. The comparison to the UK average also reveals that Andover’s success in reducing property crimes, particularly shoplifting and vehicle crime, may be attributed to local factors such as effective retail security measures or community policing initiatives.