Ashley Heath Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Ashley Heath

Ashley Heath, a pleasant urban settlement within Dorset, reports an overall crime rate of 46.0 per 1,000 residents per year. This figure places Ashley Heath below the UK average crime rate of 93.1 per 1,000, indicating a comparatively safer environment. The safety score for the area stands at a commendable 89 out of 100, which is higher than the UK average safety score of 78. In terms of recent trends, Ashley Heath has experienced an increase, with a 14.4% rise in its year-over-year crime figures. This introduction provides a concise overview of Ashley Heath's crime landscape, setting the context for a more detailed analysis of its specific crime types and patterns.

Crime Type Analysis in Ashley Heath

An examination of Ashley Heath's crime statistics reveals that 'Violence and sexual offences' are the most prevalent category, accounting for 139 crimes (17.5 per 1,000 residents), representing 38.1% of the total reported incidents. 'Anti-social behaviour' follows as the second most common, with 53 crimes (6.7 per 1,000, 14.5% of total), indicating some public order concerns. 'Vehicle crime' ranks as the third highest crime type, with 39 incidents (4.9 per 1,000, 10.7% of total), highlighting concerns for vehicle security.

Focusing on property-related crime, which includes categories such as burglary, other theft, vehicle crime, and bicycle theft, Ashley Heath records a rate of 18.8 per 1,000 people. This is considerably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.9 per 1,000. Specific figures show burglary at 26 crimes (3.3 per 1,000, 7.1% of total) and vehicle crime at 39 crimes (4.9 per 1,000, 10.7% of total). For residents and homeowners in Ashley Heath, while the overall property crime rate is below the national average, the presence of vehicle crime and burglary indicates a need for vigilance, particularly regarding property and vehicle security.

Crime Trends in Ashley Heath

Ashley Heath has experienced an increasing trend in its crime figures, with a year-over-year rise of 14.4%. This indicates a notable upward shift in the community's overall crime rate compared to the previous year. Examining the monthly trend data further illustrates this pattern. Crime rates per 1,000 residents fluctuated, starting at 5.0 in November 2024 and experiencing a dip to 1.8 in October 2025, but with a peak in July 2025 at 6.2. This upward trend suggests a need for increased awareness among residents and highlights areas where crime prevention efforts could be strengthened in Ashley Heath.

How To Keep Safe in Ashley Heath

With 'Violence and sexual offences' being the most prevalent crime type in Ashley Heath, personal safety should be a key consideration for residents. While the area maintains a good safety score, adopting proactive measures can significantly enhance your security.

Firstly, when out in Ashley Heath, especially in public areas or during evenings, be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone in poorly lit or secluded spots. Secondly, if you are socialising, ensure you have a plan for getting home safely, such as pre-booking a taxi or arranging a lift. Thirdly, avoid escalating confrontational situations and try to remove yourself if you feel threatened. Lastly, report any instances of violence or suspicious behaviour to the local police immediately, as this helps to maintain the community's safety. These localised tips are important for navigating Ashley Heath securely.

Understanding Time-Based Crime Patterns in Ashley Heath

Crime in Ashley Heath exhibits distinct patterns throughout the day. In the 'Morning' period (6am-12pm), 'Theft' is the most prevalent crime type at 28%, followed by 'Other' crimes at 31%, with 'Burglary' at 15% and 'Vehicle' crime at 27%. The 'Afternoon' (12pm-6pm) sees 'Theft' remaining high at 33%, while 'Burglary' increases to 26%, and 'Other' crimes are 31%. 'Vehicle' crime is lower at 10%. This suggests a high incidence of opportunistic crimes during daylight hours.

As the day moves into 'Evening' (6pm-12am), 'Other' crimes become the largest category at 44%, and 'Vehicle' crime rises to 25%. 'Theft' reduces to 11%, and 'Burglary' is 20%. During the 'Night' (12am-6am), 'Vehicle' crime becomes the dominant type at 50%, with 'Other' crimes at 26%, and 'Burglary' at 20%. 'Theft' is lowest at 4%. These patterns highlight specific periods when residents should be particularly attentive to different types of crime in Ashley Heath.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To better understand Ashley Heath's crime rates, it's useful to examine its neighbouring areas. Ashley Heath has an overall crime rate of 46.0 per 1,000 people per year. In comparison, West Moors reports a slightly lower rate of 43.8 crimes per 1,000 people/year, suggesting a similar safety profile. Three Legged Cross has a significantly higher rate of 75.8 crimes per 1,000 people/year, indicating a less safe environment. Ringwood also has a higher rate of 67.4 crimes per 1,000 people/year. Matchams reports an exceptionally low crime rate of 0.0 crimes per 1,000 people/year. While this extremely low figure may indicate limited data, it highlights a regional contrast. This comparison helps residents understand Ashley Heath's safety profile within its immediate locality.

Proactive Security for Your Ashley Heath Property

With Ashley Heath's property crime rate at 18.8 per 1,000 people, which is below the UK average, residents should still consider robust home security. Traditional security solutions often fall short by merely recording a crime after it's happened, offering little in the way of actual prevention.

For superior protection, an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS offers a proactive solution. Unlike typical cameras that provide footage of a burglary, scOS is engineered to prevent it by detecting threats at your property's boundary. Its multi-camera intelligence ensures no blind spots, and advanced features such as DVLA vehicle verification can identify suspicious vehicles instantly. scOS learns your household's routines, accurately distinguishing between normal activity and genuine threats, thereby minimising false alarms. The system's autonomous response, including activating lights and engaging speakers, is designed to deter intruders effectively, often causing them to move on within the first minute. Investing in such professional-grade, proactive security ensures your Ashley Heath home is safeguarded with advanced deterrence, offering true peace of mind.