Bishop's Waltham Crime Rate

Bishop's Waltham stands out as a very safe area with a crime rate of 53.0 per 1,000 residents — 41.7% below the UK average. Despite this overall safety, the area's possession of weapons rate is 24% above the national benchmark, highlighting a localized anomaly. Crime has increased by 17.3% year-on-year, with public order crimes surging by 86%, though the area's safety score of 85/100 remains significantly higher than the UK average.

Bishop's Waltham is a historic built-up area within Winchester, characterized by a mix of residential properties, small businesses, and green spaces. Its relatively low population density and proximity to urban centers may contribute to its crime profile. The area's safety is bolstered by its tight-knit community and limited exposure to high-risk environments, though the elevated rate of possession of weapons suggests localized factors influencing this specific category.

Bishop's Waltham's crime profile reveals a mix of trends. The most surprising finding is the 24% higher rate of possession of weapons compared to the UK average (1.1 vs 0.9 per 1,000), which contrasts with its overall safety. Violence and sexual offences, though rising by 8% YoY, remain 6% below the UK average, likely due to the area's lower population density and community cohesion. Anti-social behaviour is 70% below the UK average, possibly reflecting effective local policing and a strong sense of neighbourliness. Other theft, up 75% YoY, remains 35% below the UK average, which may be linked to the area's limited retail activity and lower foot traffic compared to urban centres. Vehicle crime's 30% YoY increase could be tied to commuter parking patterns or seasonal fluctuations in vehicle usage.

Crime in Bishop's Waltham has risen by 17.3% year-on-year, with public order crimes surging by 86% — the most dramatic increase in the UK. This spike is likely linked to the summer months, with July 2025 seeing a peak of 13.7 crimes per 1,000, potentially tied to increased social activity or events. Other theft and vehicle crime have also risen sharply (75% and 30% YoY, respectively), though all remain below the UK average. The area's overall safety score of 85/100 suggests that while crime is increasing, it remains significantly lower than national levels, possibly due to the area's community-focused policing and low population density.

How To Keep Safe in Bishop's Waltham

In Bishop's Waltham, where vehicle crime rises by 30% YoY, securing parked vehicles with alarms and visible locks is crucial. Given the 24% above-average rate of possession of weapons, avoid leaving valuables in vehicles or on balconies where they might be targeted. For theft prevention, use motion-sensor lighting in gardens, as theft peaks in the afternoon when residences may be unoccupied. Community vigilance is effective here: report suspicious activity near public spaces, as Bishop's Waltham's low anti-social behaviour rate (70% below UK average) suggests strong local cooperation with authorities.

Crime in Bishop's Waltham follows distinct temporal patterns. Theft peaks in the afternoon (67% of incidents during 12pm–6pm), aligning with retail activity and potential opportunities for shoplifting. Vehicle crime surges at night (65% of incidents between 12am–6am), likely due to reduced visibility and fewer pedestrians acting as natural deterrents. Burglary occurs most frequently in the evening (6% of incidents between 6pm–12am), possibly linked to returning residents or unoccupied properties. The evening and night periods also see higher rates of 'other' crimes, which may include anti-social behaviour or public order incidents tied to local events or social gatherings.

Bishop's Waltham's crime rate (53.0 per 1,000) is 19% higher than Swanmore (44.7 per 1,000) but 151% higher than Waltham Chase (21.1 per 1,000), the region's safest area. The disparity with Waltham Chase may reflect differences in population density, economic activity, or policing strategies. Swanmore's relatively lower crime rate could be due to its more suburban character, while Bishop's Waltham's built-up nature may contribute to its higher but still below-average crime profile.

For Bishop's Waltham households, where possession of weapons is 24% above the UK average, proactive security measures are essential, scOS's AI-powered boundary detection can identify potential threats near property perimeters, reducing the risk of incidents involving weapons. Its DVLA vehicle verification feature helps flag suspicious vehicles, which may be relevant given the 30% YoY increase in vehicle crime. Autonomous lighting and speaker activation can deter opportunistic offenders, particularly during the night when vehicle crime peaks. These features align with Bishop's Waltham's need for targeted deterrence in a generally safe but occasionally anomalous environment.