Crime in Fareham
Crime rates, safety, and policing in the borough
Fareham is a relatively safe place to live by national standards. Crime rates across the borough are lower than the national average and lower than those in the neighbouring cities of Portsmouth and Southampton. This is one of the factors that makes the borough attractive to families and to people choosing where to settle in south Hampshire.
The most common types of crime recorded in the borough are anti-social behaviour, vehicle crime, and shoplifting. Violent crime occurs but at a lower rate than in urban areas. Burglary affects some areas more than others, with the more affluent suburban streets occasionally targeted by opportunistic and organised thieves. Vehicle crime, including theft from vehicles and catalytic converter theft, has been a persistent issue in some car parks and residential streets.
The town centre sees the highest concentration of reported incidents, which is typical for any town centre where pubs, shops, and public spaces generate more interaction and more opportunity for low-level crime. Friday and Saturday evenings produce the most alcohol-related incidents, though Fareham's modest nightlife means this is not on the same scale as in larger towns and cities.
Policing in Fareham is provided by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary. The local neighbourhood policing team covers the borough and works with community groups, schools, and residents' associations on crime prevention and community safety. Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) provide a visible presence on the streets and act as a link between the community and the police force.
Fareham police station on Quay Street is the base for local operations. The front counter has limited opening hours, and many police interactions are now handled online or by phone through the 101 non-emergency number. For emergencies, 999 remains the number to call.
Community safety partnerships between the police, the borough council, and other agencies address issues including anti-social behaviour, domestic abuse, drug-related crime, and youth offending. These partnerships coordinate responses and share information to tackle problems that no single agency can solve alone.
Residents can take practical steps to reduce their risk of becoming victims. Locking vehicles and removing valuables from sight, securing homes with good locks and lighting, and being aware of online scams and fraud all make a difference. Neighbourhood Watch schemes operate in some parts of the borough, providing a structure for residents to look out for each other and report suspicious activity.
Crime statistics for the Fareham area are published monthly on the police.uk website, broken down by neighbourhood. These figures provide a factual basis for assessing local safety, though they should be read with the understanding that not all crime is reported and that statistics can fluctuate from month to month without indicating a meaningful trend.
The overall picture is that Fareham is a safe borough with crime levels that most residents rarely encounter directly. It is not crime-free, and no area is, but the risk of being a victim of serious crime is low by comparison with most parts of England.