Test Valley Crime Rate October 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 135,201, Test Valley recorded 673 crimes in October 2025, equating to 5.0 crimes per 1,000 residents. This rate is 35.1% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, marking one of the lowest crime rates in the country for this period. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 42.4% of all reported incidents (285 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (11.9%) and public order offences (9.8%). These figures suggest a persistent focus on interpersonal conflict and disorder, which may be influenced by the area’s mix of urban and rural environments. Seasonal factors, such as the transition to darker evenings and the approach of Halloween, likely contribute to increased reports of violence and anti-social behaviour, as visibility decreases and community events draw larger crowds. However, the overall crime rate remains stable compared to previous months, with no significant spikes in property crime or burglary. The breakdown of offences also highlights a notable absence of theft from the person and bicycle theft, which may reflect effective local policing or the area’s demographic characteristics, such as lower student populations or fewer tourist attractions compared to other regions.

October 2025 saw a 20.8% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 236 to 285 cases. This surge aligns with the seasonal context of darker evenings, which may reduce natural surveillance and increase opportunities for such crimes. Meanwhile, burglary rates fell by 51.2% compared to the previous month, dropping from 43 to 21 incidents—a decline that could reflect successful community engagement efforts or improved lighting in residential areas. Other notable changes include a 34.7% rise in public order offences, linked to increased social activity during the Halloween period, and a 37.5% increase in 'other crime' reports, which may include unclassified incidents or emerging patterns not yet captured by standard categories. The area’s performance against the UK average is striking: violence and sexual offences in Test Valley are 21% below the national rate, and anti-social behaviour is 52% below the UK average. This suggests that local initiatives—such as targeted policing in high-risk areas or community-based conflict resolution programmes—may be contributing to these disparities. However, the 43% above-average rate for possession of weapons remains a concern, indicating potential gaps in addressing knife crime or illicit weapons distribution.

Test Valley’s crime rate in October 2025 (5.0 per 1,000 residents) was nearly identical to the previous month’s rate of 4.9, indicating stability over time. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 22 crimes per day—a figure that, while seemingly high, must be contextualised within the local population. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 201 residents, a rate that is significantly lower than the UK average and suggests a relatively safe environment for most residents. This monthly exposure statistic provides a tangible measure of risk for individuals living in the area: for every 201 people, one crime was reported. When compared to the UK average, Test Valley’s performance is particularly noteworthy in categories such as shoplifting and vehicle crime, both of which are 52% below the national rate. This could reflect the area’s lower density of retail hubs or a more dispersed population that reduces opportunities for such crimes. However, the stability in the overall crime rate does not preclude the need for continued vigilance, especially as seasonal factors and local events may influence crime patterns in subsequent months.