Bearwood Crime Rate

Bearwood is a suburban settlement within the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area that offers a generally safe environment for its residents. Its overall crime rate stands at 64.0 per 1,000 people, which is notably better than the UK average of 91.7. This positive standing is further supported by a safety score of 86/100, which is higher than the national benchmark of 79. However, it is important to note that crime in Bearwood has increased by 8.7% year-over-year. While the area remains statistically safer than many parts of the UK, this upward trend suggests a need for increased awareness and proactive security measures among the local community. The data indicates a secure but evolving landscape that residents should monitor.

Crime in Bearwood

The crime profile of Bearwood is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 34.5% of all reported incidents. Shoplifting is also a significant factor at 19.9%, followed by anti-social behaviour at 19.2%. These three categories represent the majority of local criminal activity. Property crime in Bearwood—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—is recorded at 24.8 per 1,000 residents. This is lower than the UK average of 32.3, suggesting that Bearwood is relatively safe for homeowners and car owners. Criminal damage and arson are notably higher here than in some neighbouring suburbs, making up 10.4% of the total. For residents, this data means that while personal safety and retail-related crime are the primary concerns, protecting property from vandalism and theft remains an important local priority.

Crime Trends in Bearwood

Bearwood has experienced an 8.7% increase in total crime over the past year. Monthly data for the crime rate per 1,000 residents shows some volatility. The period began with rates around 5.4 and 5.6 in early 2025, but saw a significant spike in June 2025, when the rate jumped to 11.4. This peak was temporary, as the rate fell back to 6.9 in July and continued to fluctuate between 3.6 and 5.1 for the remainder of the year. While the overall trend is upward, the fact that the rate returned to more typical levels after the June spike is a positive sign. However, the year-over-year increase indicates that Bearwood is currently seeing more criminal activity than in the previous period, which residents should take into account when considering their own security measures.

How To Keep Safe in Bearwood

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Bearwood, frequently reported in public areas. To enhance your personal safety, always stay alert to your surroundings and try to avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night. Sticking to main roads and well-populated routes is a simple but effective way to reduce risk.

Shoplifting and anti-social behaviour are also significant local issues. Residents should be mindful of their belongings in retail areas and report any disruptive behaviour to the authorities. For property owners, while the burglary rate is low, the recent increase in crime suggests that security should not be neglected. Ensure all doors and windows are locked, and consider installing motion-activated lighting around your home's perimeter. Visible security measures, such as cameras or alarm systems, are strong deterrents. For those looking for advanced protection, a proactive AI system can provide real-time monitoring and intervention, ensuring that your home is actively defended against potential threats.

Crime in Bearwood follows a distinct temporal pattern that reflects its suburban and commercial mix. The afternoon is the most active period for theft, which accounts for 44% of crimes between 12pm and 6pm, likely due to retail activity. As the day moves into evening, 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, become the most prominent, representing 64% of reports. Night-time hours see a specific increase in the proportion of vehicle crime, which reaches 27% of all reported incidents between midnight and 6am. Morning hours are generally quieter, although theft still represents 39% of activity during this time. For residents, this means that vigilance in shopping areas is most important during the day, while vehicle and home security should be the priority overnight. The high percentage of 'other' crimes in the evening suggests that community-related issues are most frequent during social hours.

When compared with nearby areas, Bearwood's crime rate of 64.0 per 1,000 people sits in the middle of the spectrum. It is significantly safer than Wimborne Minster (68.5) but has a higher crime rate than Merley (26.2) and West Parley (30.8). The very rural area of Longham reports zero crimes, providing a contrast to Bearwood's more suburban profile. For those looking at the region, Bearwood offers a balance between more active urban zones and the very quiet residential pockets. Its safety score remains high, making it a competitive choice for those seeking a secure neighbourhood within the wider BCP authority.

Bearwood's property crime rate of 24.8 per 1,000 residents, combined with a recent 8.7% increase in overall crime, highlights the importance of effective home security. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV, are often reactive—they provide footage of a crime after it has occurred. For real protection, a proactive approach is necessary. The scOS AI-powered security system is designed to prevent crime by identifying threats at the property boundary. Using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your home in real-time and can distinguish between normal activity and a genuine threat. If a potential intruder is detected, scOS can autonomously trigger responses like lights and audio alerts, destroying the element of surprise and deterring the individual before they can act. This proactive deterrence is crucial, as most criminals will move on if they see a property is actively and intelligently protected. For Bearwood residents, scOS offers a way to stay ahead of local crime trends and keep their homes truly secure.