Dreaming of a Hampshire address? Beyond the picturesque landscapes and established communities, understanding local safety is a crucial factor for both current residents and those considering a move. Crime statistics offer valuable insights into the realities of day-to-day life, impacting everything from peace of mind to property values.
This data-driven article delves into the crime landscape across Hampshire, providing a detailed look at areas where safety statistics are demonstrably favorable. We've analyzed the latest figures to bring you a quantitative picture, comparing local crime rates against both the Hampshire average and national benchmarks. Discover the areas demonstrating lower-than-average occurrences of property crime, violent crime, and public order offences, and understand how these figures translate into a more secure living environment. The following sections offer an area-by-area breakdown, providing the data to make informed decisions about where to live, work, and invest in Hampshire.
Eastleigh (SO53)
Eastleigh, particularly the SO53 postcode area encompassing Chandler's Ford, is a residential area with established transport links and a sense of community, and is near both Southampton and Winchester. Offering accessible transport, schooling and local amenities, it's a location often considered by families and professionals.
When examining safety data, Eastleigh shows reassuring statistics. The data indicates lower crime rates compared to both Hampshire and the national averages. Property crime sits at 11.65 incidents per 1,000 households annually, 70% lower than the national figure. Violent crime is 69.3% lower than national levels, at 24.25 incidents per 1,000 households. Public order offences and theft also statistically reflect this drop. Residents proactively maintain awareness regarding personal safety and belongings.
For residents, the data suggests a comparatively safe area. While this may reduce concerns about everyday crime improving peace of mind, residents acknowledge that crime can occur anywhere, so maintaining awareness and taking precautions remains important. While a robbery including a shooting occurred in 2007, it was an isolated incident appropriately handled and is not indicative of any wider trend.
Southampton (SO31)
Located on the outskirts of Southampton, SO31 includes areas like Hamble-le-Rice, which is known for its maritime history and waterfront. The blend of character and location near a major city creates a specific living environment. While offering a different pace of life, residents benefit from access to Southampton's amenities and occupations.
The SO31 postcode area has low crime rates compared to both Hampshire and the national figures. Property crime, covering offences like burglary and vehicle theft, stands at 13.41 incidents per 1,000 households annually, 65.9% lower than the national average. Similarly, violent crime is 65.8% lower than the national figure, with 26.97 incidents per 1,000 households. Public order offences and theft show reductions, being 63.2% and 62.9% lower than the national averages respectively. The overall weighted crime rate of 16.61 is 64.8% lower than expected nationally.
For residents, these figures mean a greater sense of security. The lower crime rates may offer reassurance, and encourage participation in activities and enjoyment of amenities such as waterside walks. Maintaining awareness of one's surroundings and taking precautions remains necessary. SO31 offers a comparitively calmer place for those seeking a balance between rural and urban living and a proximity to the coast.
Yateley (GU46)
Yateley, which is in the north-eastern corner of the Hart District, provides a blend of suburban and semi-rural living within Hampshire. The area has a strong sense of community in addition to being close to larger towns, presenting an attractive environment.
When examining safety in the GU46 postcode area, the statistics show a predictable safety profile. The weighted crime rate in Yateley is 16.73 incidents per 1,000 households annually, lower than the Hampshire average of 41.25 and the national average of 47.22. Specifically, violent crime stands at 25.46 incidents per 1,000 households, 67.7% lower than the national average. Property crime and public order offences also show reductions, with 48.3% and 62.7% drops respectively from the national figures. Theft is particularly low in Yateley, registering 78.1% below the national average.
For residents, these figures suggest a heightened sense of security and a reduced likelihood of being affected by crime, potentially resulting in increased participation in local activities, enjoyment of the green spaces such as Sean Devereux Park, and improved quality of life. While incidents of concern remain a possibility, the low crime rates are beneficial for those seeking peace of mind and a secure area.
Fleet (GU52)
Fleet, including the GU52 postcode, is a suburban town in the Hart district of Hampshire, which is near Church Crookham and is known for its high quality of life. Defined by its proximity to the Basingstoke Canal, Fleet offers residential and recreational spaces, and is often a desirable location for commuters.
Safety is an advantage for Fleet, with crime rates statistically lower than both the Hampshire and national averages. The weighted crime rate in Fleet is 18.28 incidents per 1,000 households annually, 55.7% lower than the Hampshire weighted average, and 61.3% lower than the national average. Violent crime sits at 37.42 incidents per 1,000 households, nearly half the rate seen nationally, while property crime is 67% lower compared to the national average, with 12.98 incidents per 1,000 households. Public order offences and theft also remain controlled, with, for example, a theft incidents rate of 10.31 per 1000 households - a figure 71.2% lower than the national rate.
These figures indicate a secure environment for Fleet residents, potentially reducing anxiety related to everyday crime and fostering a stronger sense of community engagement. Many residential areas and estates have been redeveloped from army barracks, transforming what was once a military base into a place for quiet family life where new communities are established. Personal safety awareness and security precautions are maintained to ensure well-being; Fleet is recognised as a safe area to live.
Lymington (SO41)
Lymington is a port town on the Solent coast bordering the New Forest, offering maritime character and access to natural beauty. As part of the Lymington and Pennington civil parish, the area is a tourist destination that includes a yachting community. This coastal area distinguishes itself as safe when considering recent crime statistics.
The latest data indicates that Lymington experiences lower crime rates compared to both Hampshire and the UK overall. The weighted crime rate is 20.78 incidents per 1,000 households annually, 49.6% lower than the county average and 56.0% lower than the national figure. Specifically, property crime is 54.3% lower in Lymington compared to the wider county, while violent crime is 48.1% lower. Public order offences and theft follow this trend, being approximately half of both county and national levels. Pennington, reports that skilled trades, professionals, and caring services are among the top local occupations.
For Lymington residents, this data suggests a secure environment, potentially leading to greater peace of mind and community engagement due to an increased feeling of relative safety. Maintaining vigilance and practicing personal safety remains important. Those considering moving to the Lymington area can know the relatively low crime rates, especially since major residential development has concentrated nearby in Pennington Village.