Winchester Crime Rate November 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Winchester's overall crime rate in November 2025 stood at 4.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 35.6% below the UK average of 7.3. This marked contrast with national trends is particularly evident in violence and sexual offences, which occurred at 1.9 per 1,000 residents — 26% below the UK average of 2.6. The city's crime profile was dominated by violent crimes (40.3% of total), followed by other theft (11.2%) and anti-social behaviour (9.3%). These patterns align with Winchester's character as a historic town with a mix of urban and semi-rural areas, where community cohesion may contribute to lower rates of violent crime. Seasonal factors in November, including the overlap of Bonfire Night and Black Friday shopping, typically drive spikes in retail crime and public order offences. However, shoplifting incidents fell by 43.6% compared to October, a shift that may reflect heightened police presence or increased retail security measures during the festive shopping period. The relatively low rate of vehicle crime (0.1 per 1,000) suggests effective parking management in key areas, while the absence of significant increases in property crime indicates stable conditions in residential zones. This month's data reinforces Winchester's position as a generally safe area compared to the UK average, though the concentration of violent crimes warrants ongoing monitoring.

November 2025 saw a dramatic 400% increase in theft from the person, rising from 1 to 5 incidents. This surge, while still representing a tiny fraction of total crimes (0.8%), may reflect the timing of Black Friday sales and increased foot traffic in retail areas. Conversely, shoplifting incidents fell by 43.6% (94 to 53), a notable decline that contrasts with typical seasonal patterns. This reduction could be attributed to enhanced security measures in local stores or a shift in criminal activity to other forms of theft, such as the 11.2% share of other thefts recorded. The city's violent crime rate remained 26% below the UK average, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 40.3% of all crimes. This proportion is higher than the UK average for violent crimes (26% of total UK crimes), suggesting a distinct local pattern that may relate to Winchester's demographic profile or the presence of institutions such as the University of Winchester. Anti-social behaviour — which occurred at 0.4 per 1,000 residents — was 62% below the UK average of 1.1, indicating effective community policing or a lower prevalence of such issues in the area. Residents may find the 75% reduction in vehicle crime (from 0.4 to 0.1 per 1,000) particularly reassuring, as it suggests improved vehicle security practices or reduced opportunities for such crimes in parking areas.

Winchester's crime rate in November 2025 (4.7 per 1,000) marked a 9.8% decrease from the previous month's rate of 5.2, reflecting a continuing downward trend. On a daily basis, the city recorded approximately 21 crimes per day, a figure that provides context for residents assessing local safety. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 214 residents, a statistic that translates to a monthly exposure rate significantly lower than the UK average (which would be around 1 in 138 residents based on national data). This lower exposure rate is amplified by Winchester's population of 135,632, which means the absolute number of crimes (633) is proportionally smaller compared to the UK average. When considering population-scaled perspectives, the city's performance in categories such as anti-social behaviour (62% below UK average) and vehicle crime (75% below UK average) underscores its relative safety. The 35.6% gap between Winchester's rate and the UK average is particularly pronounced given the city's size and historical significance as a tourist destination, where higher crime rates might typically be expected. This comparative advantage may be attributed to a combination of effective local policing, strong community engagement, and the city's relatively small scale, which allows for more targeted interventions in high-risk areas.