Rural Winchester Crime Rate

Rural Winchester is a safe and secure region with an overall crime rate of 58.3 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7. This high level of safety is reflected in a score of 85/100. However, crime in the area has increased by 7.1% year-over-year, indicating a slight rise in local activity. Property crime in Rural Winchester stands at 18.7 per 1,000, which is well below the national average of 32.3. Violence and sexual offences, 'other theft', and anti-social behaviour are the most frequently reported crime types. This analysis provides a detailed breakdown of Rural Winchester's crime statistics, trends, and timing to help residents understand their local safety and take appropriate precautions.

In Rural Winchester, the criminal landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 44.5% of all recorded incidents. This is followed by 'other theft' at 10.9% and anti-social behaviour at 9.7%. These top three types represent nearly two-thirds of the total crime in the region.

Property crime as a whole—including burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft—stands at a rate of 18.7 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.3, indicating that Rural Winchester is relatively secure in terms of property-related offences. Within this category, 'other theft' is the most frequent at 10.9%, followed by vehicle crime at 6.3% and burglary at 5.7%. For homeowners, these statistics suggest that while the area is generally safe, opportunistic theft and vehicle crime remain persistent concerns. The data shows that vehicle crime and burglary are particularly prevalent at night, accounting for a significant portion of late-night activity. Maintaining consistent security habits for both homes and vehicles is therefore essential for residents across the rural district.

Rural Winchester has seen a moderate upward trend in its crime statistics, with a 7.1% increase in total recorded incidents year-over-year. A review of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a fair amount of fluctuation. The period started with relatively low rates, with December 2024 recording 3.8 crimes per 1,000 residents.

However, activity increased during the late summer and autumn months. August 2025 saw the highest rate of the year at 6.5 per 1,000, followed by 6.3 in September. Other months, such as July 2025 (5.7), also showed slightly higher activity, but the general pattern remained one of relatively low-frequency crime compared to national averages. This indicates that while Rural Winchester remains safer than many other areas, there has been a consistent increase in activity compared to the start of the recording period. Residents should stay informed about these trends to ensure they are taking appropriate safety precautions.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Winchester

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crimes in Rural Winchester, accounting for over 44% of local incidents. To enhance your safety across the region, consider these practical tips:

1. Stay aware of your surroundings when walking through rural areas, especially during the evening hours or in less populated locations.
2. Ensure your home and any outbuildings are well-secured. Use high-quality locks and consider motion-activated lighting to deter opportunistic activity.
3. Given that vehicle crime is a significant concern and peaks at night, always double-check that your car is locked and that no valuables are left in plain sight.
4. Join a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to stay informed about any suspicious activity or crime patterns reported by other residents in your specific village.
5. If you see something unusual or experience anti-social behaviour, report it to the police to help them maintain an accurate picture of local safety across the district.

By following these simple steps, you can help maintain Rural Winchester's reputation as a safe place to live.

The timing of criminal activity in Rural Winchester shows clear patterns that residents should be aware of. During the morning and afternoon, theft-related offences are the most common, accounting for 52% and 57% of activity respectively. This likely coincides with periods when people are away from their homes or visiting local commercial centres.

As the day transitions into night, the risk profile shifts. Between 12am and 6am, vehicle crime becomes the dominant threat, representing a significant 45% of all recorded incidents during those hours. Burglary risk is present throughout the 24-hour cycle, with a fairly even distribution across the afternoon (22%), evening (22%), and night (24%). Public order and 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, are more prevalent in the evening hours (33%). These insights suggest that while Rural Winchester is generally safe, residents should be particularly vigilant about vehicle security overnight and home security throughout the day and night when properties are most vulnerable.

Rural Winchester encompasses a broad area with a diverse range of safety profiles. While the overall regional crime rate of 58.3 per 1,000 is very safe compared to the UK average, it is important to note the variation between individual settlements. Some villages within the district report almost no crime, while others are more active. Compared to more urbanized parts of Hampshire, Rural Winchester remains a consistently low-crime choice for residents. This regional context highlights the importance of staying informed about local trends while enjoying the general security that the Winchester district provides.

In Rural Winchester, where the property crime rate is 18.7 per 1,000 and vehicle crime is a persistent concern—especially at night, when it accounts for 45% of activity—effective home security is essential. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV and DIY alarms, are reactive; they record a crime as it happens or notify you once a break-in has occurred. In a rural setting where police response times may be longer, a proactive approach is far more effective.

scOS provides this proactive protection by using AI to detect threats at your property's boundary in real-time. Instead of just capturing footage of a theft, scOS can identify suspicious loitering or unauthorised vehicles and trigger autonomous responses, such as activating security lights or speakers. This destroys the element of surprise that criminals rely on, often causing them to move on before any damage is done. For Rural Winchester homeowners, scOS offers a sophisticated, preventative layer of security that monitors all cameras simultaneously, ensuring that your property is protected 24/7. Moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention is the most effective way to address the specific local risks in the area.