Test Valley Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 135,201 residents, Test Valley recorded 712 crimes in October 2024, translating to a crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 people. This rate is 34.6% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, marking one of the most significant disparities between the area and national trends. The breakdown reveals that violence and sexual offences constituted the largest single category, accounting for 261 incidents (36.7% of total crimes), followed by shoplifting (9.7%) and public order offences (8.9%). These patterns align with the area’s character as a mixed-use local authority district with a combination of urban and rural elements, where retail hubs and community spaces may contribute to the prevalence of certain crime types. Seasonal factors in October—such as shorter daylight hours, the transition to winter, and Halloween activities—may have influenced patterns, particularly in public order and anti-social behaviour incidents. The lower-than-average rates for anti-social behaviour (61% below UK levels) and shoplifting (31% below) suggest effective community policing or environmental design in key areas, though further analysis would be needed to confirm this hypothesis. The overall crime rate remains stable relative to historical trends for this time of year, with no sharp spikes or drops reported in the data provided.

October 2024 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with other theft increasing by 84.0% (from 25 to 46 incidents) and vehicle crime rising by 61.3% (from 31 to 50). These increases may reflect seasonal factors, such as increased travel during the autumn period or heightened opportunities for vehicle-related crimes in residential areas. Conversely, violence and sexual offences decreased by 13.0% (from 300 to 261), a drop that could be attributed to targeted policing efforts or reduced social interactions during the month. The category of anti-social behaviour remained significantly below the UK average (61% lower), with 61 incidents recorded, while burglary—though only 50 cases—was 21% above the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000. This discrepancy may indicate unique local factors, such as specific housing stock vulnerabilities or concentrated areas of risk. For residents, the 84% surge in other thefts is a concrete data point to consider, as it suggests a need for heightened vigilance in securing valuables during this period. The absence of significant increases in theft from the person (1 incident, 100% below UK levels) and robbery (1 incident) further highlights the area’s relatively low exposure to violent crimes compared to national averages.

The crime rate in Test Valley for October 2024 (5.3 per 1,000) represents a 7.8% increase from the previous month’s rate of 4.9 per 1,000, reflecting a slight upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 23 crimes per day, a figure that may provide context for residents considering local safety measures. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 190 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average when scaled to the same population size. This statistic underscores the area’s relatively safe profile. month-on-month rise suggests potential fluctuations influenced by seasonal factors or localized events. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Test Valley’s crime burden is distributed more evenly across its 135,201 residents compared to the UK average, which may be attributable to effective community engagement or infrastructure that mitigates crime opportunities. While the increase from September is modest, it highlights the importance of continued monitoring to ensure that local initiatives remain aligned with emerging trends.