Alderholt Crime Rate

Alderholt, within Dorset, recorded a crime rate of 26.2 per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This figure is considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, indicating a relatively safe environment compared to the national picture. While crime remains a concern everywhere, Alderholt’s safety score of 94 out of 100 demonstrates its strong performance in this regard. Over the period, the area has experienced a notable decrease in crime, falling by 26.2% year-on-year. This positive trend suggests ongoing efforts to maintain safety and security are proving effective, although continued vigilance and community engagement are crucial to sustaining this progress. Understanding the specific types of crimes occurring and their patterns is vital for targeted prevention strategies.

Alderholt, a village within Dorset, exhibits a diverse range of crime types, although the overall rate remains comparatively low. The most frequent incidents reported between January 2025 and December 2025 were related to violence and sexual offences (24 incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (15 incidents), and criminal damage and arson (14 incidents). Burglary accounted for 9 reported incidents, while vehicle crime and other theft each registered 5 incidents. While these numbers represent specific events, it’s important to consider the context of Alderholt’s size and demographics. Factors like the village's location, community activities, and the age distribution of its population can all influence the types and frequency of crimes observed. The presence of transient populations or seasonal variations in activity could also contribute to fluctuations in the reported crime statistics. The relatively small population of 2893 means even a few incidents can have a disproportionate impact on the crime rate.

The decrease in crime between January 2025 and December 2025 represents a significant improvement for Alderholt. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with a peak in crime reported in March 2025 (1.4 per 1,000) and a gradual decline throughout the subsequent months. Notable low points were observed in February (0.7 per 1,000) and April (1.0 per 1,000). While December 2025 saw a slight increase to 2.4 per 1,000, this remains well below the levels seen earlier in the year. This overall downward trend suggests the effectiveness of preventative measures and community initiatives, but continued monitoring and adaptation of strategies will be crucial for sustaining this positive trajectory.

How To Keep Safe in Alderholt

Given that violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Alderholt, it’s vital to prioritise personal safety. First, be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Secondly, consider joining or supporting local neighbourhood watch schemes, fostering a sense of community vigilance. Thirdly, secure your property with robust locks and consider installing security lighting. Finally, report any suspicious activity to the police promptly – even seemingly minor incidents can be valuable in preventing future crimes.

Crime patterns in Alderholt show varying trends throughout the day. Burglary incidents are slightly more common in the afternoon (35%) compared to the morning (21%) and evening (26%). Theft tends to be more prevalent during commercial hours, particularly in the afternoon (24%) and morning (22%). Vehicle crime shows a concentration during the night (30%) and afternoon (15%). Other crimes are most often observed during the afternoon (36%) and evening (54%). While these patterns provide insight, it’s important to remember that crime can occur at any time, and vigilance is always necessary.

Alderholt's crime rate is notably lower than that of nearby Fordingbridge (85.2 per 1,000) and Verwood (36.4 per 1,000), but higher than the extremely low rate recorded in Hyde (New Forest) (0.0 per 1,000). Sandleheath has a similar rate to Alderholt at 27.7 per 1,000. These comparisons highlight Alderholt’s position within the local area and provide context for understanding its relative safety. Factors such as population density, economic activity, and the presence of specific industries can contribute to these variations in crime rates across different locations.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a crime has occurred. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively preventing threats at your property line is another. With an annual crime rate of 26.2 per 1,000 in Alderholt, having a robust security system is a wise precaution. Consider scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system that proactively detects threats before they escalate. Unlike conventional systems that simply record incidents, scOS utilizes multi-camera intelligence to monitor your entire property boundary, identifying potential risks in real-time. The DVLA vehicle verification feature instantly flags suspicious vehicles, while pattern learning recognises your family and routines, minimizing false alarms. The visible presence of scOS acts as a significant deterrent, often causing potential intruders to reconsider their actions, and its autonomous response capabilities, such as activating lights and speakers, can disrupt criminal activity before it happens. For those seeking true peace of mind, scOS represents a significant advancement in home protection.