Bishop's Waltham Crime Rate

Bishop's Waltham Crime Statistics

Bishop's Waltham is a safe urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 56.7 per 1,000 people. This is considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6, resulting in a safety score of 84/100. However, recent data indicates that the crime trend is increasing, with a 23.8% rise in offences year-over-year. This upward shift suggests that while the area remains safe by national standards, residents should be more aware of local security. This report provides a detailed analysis of crime types and their timing in Bishop's Waltham to help the community understand and address these changes.

Crime Breakdown in Bishop's Waltham

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Bishop's Waltham, accounting for 115 incidents or 56.6% of all recorded crime. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent at 8.9%, followed by 'other theft' at 7.4%. These three categories make up nearly three-quarters of the total crime volume in the area.

Property crime in Bishop's Waltham occurs at a rate of 14.0 per 1,000 people. Within this category, vehicle crime is the most significant contributor at 6.9% of total crime, followed by burglary at 3.0% and shoplifting at 2.5%. For residents, this suggests that while the area is generally safe, there is a persistent risk of vehicle-related offences and opportunistic theft. Homeowners should ensure that both their properties and vehicles are well-secured, particularly as vehicle crime represents a notable portion of the local property crime profile.

Crime Trends in Bishop's Waltham

Bishop's Waltham is currently seeing a significant upward trend in crime, with a 23.8% increase in total offences year-over-year. This is a notable shift for the area. Monthly data from 2025 reveals a highly volatile year, with a dramatic peak in July reaching 13.7 per 1,000 people—more than double any other month.

This July spike appears to be an anomaly, as rates in other months mostly ranged between 2.2 and 5.9 per 1,000. The year ended with a lower rate of 2.5 in December. While the overall trend is up, the concentration of the increase in a single month suggests a specific series of events rather than a sustained rise in all crime types. Nonetheless, residents should remain vigilant.

How To Keep Safe in Bishop's Waltham

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Bishop's Waltham. To enhance your personal safety, consider the following advice:

1. Be aware of your surroundings when walking in public areas, especially during the evening. Stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through quiet or unlit paths.
2. When out socialising, keep your phone and other valuables secure and out of sight. Trust your instincts and move to a busier, well-lit area if you feel uncomfortable.
3. If you are walking home at night, try to do so with a group of friends. Sharing your live location with a trusted contact is a simple way to add an extra layer of safety.
4. Keep your home and vehicle secure at all times. Ensure all doors and windows are locked, even when you are at home, to prevent opportunistic offences.
5. Report any suspicious behaviour or incidents to the local police. Staying informed and active in the community helps maintain the overall safety of Bishop's Waltham.

Crime Patterns in Bishop's Waltham

Crime in Bishop's Waltham shows significant variation throughout the day. Afternoon hours are the most active for theft-related offences, accounting for 58% of crimes in that period. This suggests that opportunistic theft is most likely when the town is busy and people are out and about.

In contrast, the late-night and early-morning hours (12am - 6am) see a major shift towards vehicle-related crime. Vehicle crime accounts for 60% of all offences during this night-time period, making it the dominant concern for residents overnight. Burglary risk is relatively consistent across all time periods, though it peaks slightly in the afternoon and evening. Understanding these patterns is crucial for residents to secure their property effectively.

Nearby Area Comparison

Compared to its immediate neighbours, Bishop's Waltham has a higher crime rate at 56.7 per 1,000 people. Nearby Swanmore (44.4) and Waltham Chase (21.1) both show lower levels of recorded crime, while Upham and Shirrell Heath recorded zero crimes during this period. Despite being higher than some adjacent settlements, Bishop's Waltham remains a very secure area compared to larger towns and cities in the region. For those considering a move to this part of Hampshire, Bishop's Waltham offers a safe environment, though it is currently seeing a more active crime profile than its closest neighbours.

Proactive Security in Bishop's Waltham

With a property crime rate of 14.0 per 1,000 people and an increasing trend, residents of Bishop's Waltham should consider upgrading to more advanced security. Traditional CCTV systems are reactive, meaning they only provide evidence after a crime has been committed. In an area where vehicle crime accounts for nearly 7% of all offences, preventing the incident is far more valuable than recording it.

scOS provides proactive protection by using AI to monitor multiple camera feeds in real-time. It can identify potential threats at the boundary of your property, such as someone loitering near your car or attempting to enter your garden. When a threat is detected, scOS can autonomously respond with lights or speakers to deter the intruder before they can act. This proactive approach is particularly effective for protecting vehicles and homes, ensuring that your property remains secure even as local crime trends fluctuate.