Winchester Crime Rate

Winchester Crime Overview

Winchester is consistently ranked as one of the safest and most desirable places to live in the UK. This is reflected in its impressive safety score of 85/100, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 79. The district's overall crime rate stands at 60.9 per 1,000 residents, far below the national average of 91.6. Furthermore, the crime trend is stable, having seen a minor decrease of 1.8% year-over-year. For the 135,632 people who call Winchester home, these statistics provide a reassuring picture of a secure community. With a property crime rate of just 18.5 per 1,000, the area remains a benchmark for safety in the South of England, offering a high level of protection for both people and property.

About Winchester

Winchester is a prestigious and historic city district in Hampshire, known for its cathedral, elite educational institutions, and high quality of life. The area is predominantly residential and affluent, but it also serves as a major tourist destination and a key administrative hub. These characteristics significantly influence its crime statistics. The high volume of visitors to the city centre can lead to higher instances of 'other theft' and shoplifting, while the university population contributes to the local demographic mix.

Economically, Winchester is one of the most prosperous areas in the UK, which can unfortunately attract opportunistic property crime. The district's excellent transport links, including the M3 motorway and a major railway station, provide easy access for transient populations. However, the large rural areas surrounding the city mean that crime is often concentrated in specific urban pockets. The combination of a high-density city centre and vast, affluent rural parishes creates a unique safety profile where the overall crime rate remains low, but specific theft-related offences are a notable factor.

Crime Breakdown in Winchester

In Winchester, the most frequent crime category is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 44.9% of all reported incidents (3,709 crimes). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 8.5% and 'other theft' at 8.0%. The high percentage of violence and sexual offences is a common statistical trend in many UK districts, often encompassing a broad range of incidents from minor altercations to more serious offences.

Property crime in Winchester is notably low, with an overall rate of 18.5 per 1,000 people—well below the UK average of 32.2. This category includes shoplifting (7.5%), vehicle crime (3.7%), and burglary (3.7%). While these figures are reassuring, the prevalence of 'other theft' (8.0%) suggests that opportunistic stealing is the primary property-related concern for residents. For homeowners, the data indicates that while the risk of a traditional house burglary is low (2.2 per 1,000), protecting personal belongings in public spaces and ensuring outbuildings are secure is essential. The relatively low criminal damage rate (6.1%) further reinforces Winchester's reputation as a well-maintained and secure environment.

Crime Trends in Winchester

The crime trend in Winchester is currently stable, with a minor 1.8% decrease in total offences over the past year. This indicates that the district's safety levels are being effectively maintained and that there have been no significant surges in criminal activity.

Analysis of the monthly crime data for 2025 shows a distinct seasonal pattern. The year started with relatively low crime rates, ranging from 4.4 to 4.9 per 1,000 people between January and June. However, there was a significant spike during the summer months. The crime rate rose to 6.0 in July and peaked at 6.7 in August, which likely coincides with the peak tourist season and various local festivals. Following this peak, the rate began to decline, reaching 4.7 in November and 4.5 in December. This data suggests that while Winchester is safe year-round, residents and visitors should be slightly more vigilant during the busy summer months when the city is most crowded.

Regional Crime Comparison

When comparing Winchester to its Hampshire neighbours, the district remains a very safe choice. Winchester's crime rate of 60.9 per 1,000 is slightly higher than that of Test Valley (59.9), but both are exceptionally low by national standards. Other nearby areas, including Eastleigh, Southampton, Fareham, East Hampshire, and Havant, show 0.0 recorded crimes in this specific dataset, indicating they are part of a wider region with very low reported crime levels. For residents looking for a balance of urban amenities and high safety, Winchester's performance relative to its neighbours confirms its status as a secure regional hub, maintaining a safety score that is among the best in the county.

Proactive Security in Winchester

Winchester's property crime rate of 18.5 per 1,000 residents is one of the lowest in the country, but the district's affluence can make it a target for sophisticated opportunistic theft. Standard security measures, such as basic CCTV, are often reactive—they record the crime as it happens but do little to stop it. For Winchester homeowners who value their privacy and security, a proactive approach that prevents crime before it occurs is the most effective strategy.

The scOS AI-powered home security system is designed for this high level of protection. By using intelligent multi-camera monitoring, scOS can identify potential threats at your property's boundary in real-time. It doesn't just record; it acts. Whether it's recognizing an unauthorized vehicle or detecting a loiterer at the gate, scOS can trigger autonomous deterrents like lighting and audio warnings to stop a criminal in their tracks. In a city where property values are high and security is paramount, scOS provides the proactive defense needed to ensure your home remains a safe haven, moving beyond simple recording to true crime prevention.

How To Keep Safe in Winchester

The most common crime in Winchester is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for nearly 45% of all incidents. While Winchester is generally very safe, taking simple precautions can further enhance your personal security.

1. When walking in the city centre at night, stay in well-lit, busy areas and avoid isolated shortcuts through parks or alleyways.
2. If you are a student or a visitor enjoying the local nightlife, always ensure you have a safe and planned way to get home, such as a pre-booked taxi.
3. Be mindful of your personal belongings in crowded areas like the High Street or near the Cathedral, as 'other theft' is a notable contributor to local statistics.
4. Report any instances of anti-social behaviour to the local authorities, as early intervention can help maintain the high safety standards the district is known for.
5. Ensure your home and any outbuildings are properly secured, particularly if you live in more rural parts of the district where properties may be more isolated.