Bradford Abbas Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Bradford Abbas, Dorset, reveal a crime rate of 92.4 incidents per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This figure is slightly above the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. While the overall safety score stands at a respectable 85 out of 100, indicating a relatively safe area, a concerning trend of increasing crime has been observed. Over the period, crime rates have risen by a significant 47.0% year-on-year. This upward trajectory warrants attention and proactive measures to ensure the continued safety and wellbeing of the community. Understanding the specific types of crime occurring and the factors contributing to the rise is crucial for effective prevention strategies.

The most prevalent crimes recorded in Bradford Abbas between January 2025 and December 2025 were shoplifting, violence and sexual offences, and anti-social behaviour. Shoplifting accounted for 98 incidents, representing 57.0% of all recorded crimes. Violence and sexual offences followed with 22 incidents, comprising 12.8% of the total. Anti-social behaviour was responsible for 20 incidents, making up 11.6%. Other theft accounted for 6.4% of recorded crime, while public order offences, criminal damage and arson, and burglary made up smaller percentages. Vehicle crime and bicycle theft were the least common types of crime reported, indicating a relatively lower risk in these areas. The prevalence of shoplifting suggests potential issues with retail security or opportunistic theft within the neighbourhood.

The crime rate in Bradford Abbas has seen a concerning increase of 47.0% year-on-year between January 2025 and December 2025. Monthly data reveals this upward trend, with the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuating throughout the period. January 2025 saw a rate of 7.0 per 1,000, which escalated to 14.0 per 1,000 in April 2025. While there were periods of relative stability, such as in June (6.5 per 1,000) and October (5.4 per 1,000), the overall trend demonstrates a persistent rise in criminal activity. The significant drop in November (2.2 per 1,000) and a slight recovery in December (3.2 per 1,000) do not negate the overall upward trajectory. This requires further investigation to identify underlying causes and implement effective preventative measures.

How To Keep Safe in Bradford Abbas

Given the prevalence of shoplifting, be mindful of your belongings when out and about and ensure valuables are secure. To address the risk of violence and sexual offences, always be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Report any suspicious activity to the police promptly. With anti-social behaviour being a concern, consider participating in neighbourhood watch schemes to foster a sense of community and deter potential offenders. Secure your homes and vehicles, and remember to report any incidents of criminal damage or theft.

Crime in Bradford Abbas displays a pattern influenced by time of day. Burglaries are most frequent during the morning (11%), afternoon (17%) and evening (19%). Violence tends to be concentrated during the evening (0%) but increases in the night (0%). Theft sees a higher occurrence during commercial hours in the afternoon (58%) but decreases in the evening (27%) and night (16%). Vehicle crime is also elevated during the night (21%), suggesting a potential correlation with reduced visibility and activity. Overall theft experiences a similar pattern with higher occurrence during the afternoon (59%) and lower in the evening (27%) and night (16%).

Compared to surrounding areas, Bradford Abbas’s crime rate is higher than Thornford and Nether Compton, which have recorded no reported crimes. However, it is comparable to Barwick and Stoford, which has a rate of 97.5 per 1,000. The variation in crime rates across these villages highlights the localised nature of crime and the influence of specific area characteristics. The lower rates in Thornford and Nether Compton demonstrate that it is possible to maintain a very low crime environment with appropriate preventative measures.

Traditional CCTV systems offer a reactive approach – recording incidents after they've occurred. While useful for evidence gathering, they don't prevent crime. Consider a proactive security system like scOS. scOS utilises AI to detect potential threats at your property boundary, watching all cameras simultaneously. For example, the DVLA vehicle verification feature instantly flags suspicious vehicles with fake plates. If a delivery driver approaches your property, scOS recognises them and you’re notified. If an unfamiliar vehicle lingers, lights activate, and speakers engage, often deterring intruders before they can even attempt entry. The visible presence of professional-grade security, like scOS, sends a clear message of protection, making Bradford Abbas a less attractive target for criminals. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively preventing threats is another.