Test Valley Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Test Valley’s crime rate in January 2026 stood at 5.2 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 21.2% below the UK average of 6.6. This position underscores a long-standing trend of lower-than-national crime levels, though the month’s data reveals nuanced shifts. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 41.2% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (12.2%) and public order offences (8.8%). The dominance of violent crime in the breakdown may reflect the area’s demographic profile, with a higher proportion of younger residents contributing to such incidents. Seasonal factors also played a role: January, a post-holiday period marked by reduced retail activity and shorter days, likely influenced the lower frequency of outdoor crimes typical in busier months. However, the rise in vehicle crime and public order offences suggests emerging challenges that may warrant closer attention. The area’s overall safety, as evidenced by its position relative to the UK, appears resilient, but the interplay between local conditions and national trends remains a key consideration for policymakers.

January 2026 saw a sharp 118.2% increase in vehicle crime, with incidents rising from 22 to 48. This jump may partly explain the overall 11.0% monthly rise in the area’s crime rate. Meanwhile, public order offences surged by 41.9%, suggesting heightened tensions or disruptions during the post-holiday period. In contrast, robbery incidents fell by 55.6% compared to December, a decrease that aligns with the seasonal context of reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours. Test Valley’s rate of violence and sexual offences (2.1 per 1,000) remains 14% below the UK average, a consistent trend that may reflect the area’s community-focused policing strategies. Other categories such as anti-social behaviour (34% below UK average) and criminal damage (36% below) also highlight a broader pattern of lower-than-average violent and disorder-related crime.

Test Valley’s crime rate in January 2026 rose 11.0% from 4.6 to 5.2 per 1,000 residents compared to December 2025. This increase, though modest, contrasts with the area’s overall position 21.2% below the UK average. On a daily basis, 22 crimes were reported in January—a figure that, while locally contextual, reflects the area’s unique rhythms. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 194 residents, a monthly aggregate that highlights the relative safety of the district compared to national benchmarks. With a population of 135,201, this translates to a lower frequency of incidents per capita than the UK average, though the rise from the previous month suggests shifting patterns. The population-scaled perspective reinforces that Test Valley remains a safer place overall, but local factors such as seasonal transitions may influence short-term fluctuations.