Ashley Heath Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Ashley Heath, Dorset, indicate a rate of 44.5 incidents per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. While this figure is lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000 residents, it’s important to understand the specific types of crimes contributing to this rate. Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, followed by anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime. This page provides a detailed breakdown of these statistics, explores emerging trends, and offers practical advice for residents to enhance their personal safety. Understanding the context and nuances of these figures is crucial for fostering a sense of security and informing community-led initiatives.

Ashley Heath, a built-up area within Dorset, exhibits a crime profile shaped by its semi-rural character and population density. The prevalence of Violence and Sexual Offences, accounting for 37.1% of all recorded crimes, suggests underlying social complexities. Anti-social behaviour, at 15.6%, indicates potential challenges related to community cohesion and public spaces. Vehicle crime, a concern for many residents, represents 11.1% of the total, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures. Overall property crime, at 17.2 per 1,000 residents, reflects the vulnerability of homes and businesses to theft and damage. The relatively low rate of burglary (2.8 per 1,000) compared to other areas suggests a degree of caution amongst residents and proactive crime prevention efforts.

Crime rates in Ashley Heath have remained relatively stable year-on-year, showing a 3.2% increase from January 2025 to December 2025. Monthly data reveals fluctuations throughout the year, with peaks in February, July and December, and a notable low in October. For instance, the rate peaked at 6.2 per 1,000 in July and dropped to 1.8 per 1,000 in October. While these variations are not uncommon, the overall stability suggests that existing crime prevention strategies are having a moderating effect. Continuous monitoring and adaptation of these strategies will be essential to maintain this trend.

How To Keep Safe in Ashley Heath

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's vital to remain vigilant in public spaces. Avoid walking alone at night where possible and stick to well-lit routes. With vehicle crime being a significant concern, ensure your vehicle is always locked, and valuables are out of sight. Consider installing an alarm system and security lighting. Be mindful of anti-social behaviour; report any suspicious activity to the local authorities. Finally, join or start a Neighbourhood Watch scheme to foster a sense of community and shared responsibility for safety.

Crimes in Ashley Heath tend to exhibit distinct patterns throughout the day. Burglary incidents are most common during the afternoon hours (12pm - 6pm), suggesting a vulnerability during daylight hours when residents are away from their homes. Vehicle crime is particularly concentrated during the night (12am - 6am), likely due to reduced visibility and increased opportunity. Theft also sees a spike in the afternoon, coinciding with commercial activity. Understanding these temporal patterns can inform preventative measures and targeted patrols.

Comparing Ashley Heath's crime rate of 44.5 per 1,000 residents, it's useful to consider neighbouring areas. Matchams reports a remarkably low rate of 0.0 per 1,000, suggesting a significantly safer environment. West Moors mirrors Ashley Heath's rate closely at 44.5 per 1,000, indicating a similar level of crime. However, areas like Three Legged Cross (69.6 per 1,000) and Ringwood (67.3 per 1,000) demonstrate considerably higher crime rates, highlighting the variability within the region.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a crime has occurred. scOS, however, offers a proactive approach to home security. Imagine your property boundary is monitored by AI, capable of identifying potential threats – a delivery driver lingering too long, an unfamiliar vehicle repeatedly circling your street – before any intrusion. This multi-camera intelligence, combined with DVLA vehicle verification to instantly flag suspicious vehicles, creates a powerful deterrent. scOS learns your routines, recognising family members and deliveries, only alerting you to genuine threats. The element of surprise is destroyed; most burglars decide within 60 seconds – scOS makes that decision easy for them – they move on. Reading crime statistics is one thing. Actually stopping threats at your property line is another.