Bearwood Crime Rate

Bearwood maintains a good safety profile with a safety score of 86/100, which is well above the UK average of 79. The overall crime rate is 62.4 per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than the national average of 91.6. Most importantly, the area has maintained a stable safety profile, with only a minor 1.1% increase in crime year-over-year. While certain crime types remain a concern, the statistics for Bearwood reflect a consistently secure residential environment. This report provides a detailed breakdown of local crime patterns, helping homeowners and prospective residents understand the safety landscape of this BCP suburb and how it compares both locally and nationally.

In Bearwood, violence and sexual offences are the primary concern, accounting for 33.6% of all reported crime (20.9 per 1,000). This is followed by anti-social behaviour (20.7%) and shoplifting (20.4%). Property-related crime, encompassing burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, stands at a combined rate of 24.1 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.2. Specifically, shoplifting occurs at a rate of 12.7 per 1,000, while criminal damage accounts for 9.3% of total incidents. Burglary and vehicle crime represent 2.5% and 2.1% respectively. For residents and homeowners, these figures indicate that while interpersonal and public space issues are the main concern, property crime—particularly shoplifting and criminal damage—is a significant factor. Residential properties should prioritize security against burglary and vehicle crime, especially during the night.

Bearwood has maintained a consistently safe environment, with a minor 1.1% increase in crime over the last year. Monthly data shows some volatility, with a high peak in June (11.4 per 1,000) and July (6.9). The lowest rate was recorded in April (3.3) and February (3.6). The latter part of the year saw rates fluctuate between 3.6 and 5.1. This overall stable trend is a good sign for the suburb, indicating that it remains a consistently low-crime area. For residents, this suggests a community that is successfully maintaining its safety standards and is not experiencing a significant rise in criminal activity.

How To Keep Safe in Bearwood

The most frequent reports in Bearwood are violence and sexual offences. To stay safe, it is important to be aware of your surroundings, especially in commercial and public areas. Stick to well-lit routes and avoid walking alone in isolated spots late at night. Anti-social behaviour is also a significant concern, making up 20.7% of local crime. If you encounter such behaviour, avoid confrontation and report it to the local authorities. Property crime is a persistent factor, with shoplifting, criminal damage, and burglary all featuring in the top categories. To protect your home and vehicle, ensure all doors and windows are double-locked and no valuables are left on display. Shoplifting is a major 'business crime' in the area, so local businesses should ensure robust security measures are in place. Vehicle crime is most common at night (23% of night-time incidents), so secure parking is highly recommended. Installing a visible security system or motion-activated lighting can act as a powerful deterrent. Reporting any suspicious activity to the local police is key to maintaining the suburb's safety.

Crime in Bearwood follows distinct temporal patterns. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft-related offences are common, accounting for 36% and 40% of incidents respectively. This suggests that opportunistic crimes are most frequent during daylight hours when retail and commercial activity is high. In the evening (6pm - 12am), the focus shifts towards 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order, which make up 66% of reports. Night-time (12am - 6am) is particularly notable for vehicle crime, which accounts for a significant 23% of all incidents during these hours. Burglary also remains a consistent threat throughout the afternoon and night. These patterns highlight a clear need for daytime vigilance in commercial areas and robust overnight security to protect against vehicle crime and home invasions in residential neighbourhoods.

In a regional context, Bearwood (62.4) is safer than nearby Wimborne Minster (68.5). It is, however, busier than the surrounding smaller settlements like Merley (25.9) and West Parley (31.7), and the very quiet hamlet of Longham, which reported zero crimes. This comparison shows that while Bearwood is a busier area due to its size and commercial activity, it remains a very safe residential choice compared to the national average. This context helps residents understand Bearwood's position as a secure suburb within the broader BCP local authority area.

Despite the overall stable trend, burglary and vehicle crime remain factors in Bearwood, with vehicle crime accounting for 23% of night-time incidents. Traditional security systems often only record these events as they happen, providing evidence after the damage is done. For real protection, a proactive system like scOS is much more effective. scOS uses AI to monitor your property boundary and detect threats before they result in a crime. If a suspicious person or vehicle is identified, scOS can trigger an autonomous response, such as activating lights or speakers, to deter them. This 'prevention over reaction' approach is ideal for an urban area where vehicle theft and burglary are persistent risks. By choosing scOS, you are investing in intelligence that stops criminals before they can touch your property, ensuring that Bearwood's stable safety trend continues for your home.