Winchester Crime Rate

Winchester is one of the safest local authority districts in the UK, reporting an overall crime rate of 60.7 per 1,000 people. This figure is significantly lower than the national average of 91.7, reflecting the area's high safety standards. The district currently holds an impressive safety score of 85/100, which is well above the UK average of 79. Crime trends in Winchester are currently stable, with a minor year-over-year decrease of 1.8%. This consistency suggests that the area remains a secure and reliable location for residents and businesses. The following analysis explores the specific crime breakdowns and monthly patterns from December 2024 to November 2025 to provide a detailed view of the local safety environment.

Winchester is a historic local authority district that combines a vibrant, affluent city centre with extensive rural landscapes. As a major tourist destination and the site of a renowned university, the city experiences a transient population of visitors and students, which can influence crime statistics, particularly in categories like theft and anti-social behaviour. The area is also a significant transport hub, with high-speed rail links to London and proximity to the M3 motorway, facilitating both legitimate commerce and, occasionally, transient criminal activity. Economically, Winchester is one of the most prosperous districts in the UK, which can sometimes make it a target for property-related offences. However, its high population density is concentrated in the city, while the surrounding South Downs National Park remains largely quiet and residential. These factors—tourism, student life, and economic prosperity—all contribute to the district's unique crime profile, which generally maintains a much higher safety score than the national average.

In Winchester, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, with 3,718 recorded incidents (27.4 per 1,000 residents), making up 45.1% of total crime. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent with 693 reports (5.1 per 1,000), followed by other theft at 651 incidents (4.8 per 1,000).

The property crime rate for the district is 18.4 per 1,000 people. This encompasses burglary, robbery, theft from the person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft. Within this category, other theft and shoplifting (596 crimes) are the most prevalent. Burglary and vehicle crime both occur at a rate of 2.3 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, these figures indicate that while the area is exceptionally safe compared to national norms, opportunistic theft remains the primary property-related concern. Maintaining high standards of security for homes and personal belongings is recommended to mitigate these risks.

The crime trend in Winchester is currently classified as stable, with a slight year-over-year decrease of 1.8%. This indicates that crime levels are remaining consistent without significant surges or declines. Looking at the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025, the crime rate per 1,000 residents reached its lowest point in December and January at 4.4. The area saw a notable peak during the summer months, with August recording a rate of 6.7 per 1,000. This seasonal increase is common in historic cities with high visitor numbers during the holiday period. However, the trend quickly returned to lower figures, with November recording 4.7. This general stability suggests that the local authority's safety measures are effective at keeping crime well below the national average. For residents, this predictability is a positive indicator of long-term security across the district.

In the local regional context, Winchester maintains a highly competitive safety profile. Its crime rate of 60.7 per 1,000 is almost identical to that of neighbouring Test Valley (60.5). While these figures are excellent compared to the UK average, other nearby areas like Eastleigh, Southampton, Fareham, East Hampshire, and Havant often report even lower recorded crime rates in similar data periods, sometimes reaching 0.0 per 1,000. This indicates that Winchester is part of a wider region of exceptional security, though as a major city and administrative hub, it naturally sees more activity than its more rural neighbours. For residents, this reinforces Winchester's status as a safe and stable place to live within Hampshire.

With a property crime rate of 18.4 per 1,000, residents of Winchester should focus on preventative security. While the burglary rate is low, the prevalence of other theft and shoplifting suggests that opportunistic offenders are active in the district. Traditional security systems, like standard CCTV, often fail because they only provide evidence after a crime has been committed. For true protection, a proactive approach is required. The scOS AI-powered operating system is designed to stop crime before it reaches your home. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor property boundaries, scOS can detect unauthorised individuals or vehicles in real-time. The system doesn't just watch; it reacts autonomously by activating lights and speakers to deter intruders. This professional-grade deterrence is essential for maintaining the high safety standards residents expect in Winchester, ensuring that security is a preventative measure rather than a reactive recording of an incident.

How To Keep Safe in Winchester

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crimes in the Winchester local authority area, making up nearly half of all incidents. While the district is statistically very safe, maintaining high levels of personal awareness is key to staying secure.

When out in the evening, try to stay in well-lit areas and avoid walking alone in secluded spots like unlit parks or rural footpaths. If you are visiting the city centre for nightlife, always plan your journey home and stay aware of your surroundings. Using a personal safety app or sharing your location with a trusted contact can provide extra peace of mind.

To combat anti-social behaviour and opportunistic theft, ensure that your property’s perimeter is well-maintained and that any outdoor lighting is functional. Visible security measures can deter individuals from targeting your home or vehicle. Engaging with local community safety partnerships and reporting even minor incidents helps the police allocate resources effectively across the district. Always keep personal belongings secure when in busy tourist areas to reduce the risk of "other theft" offences.