Charminster Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Charminster, Dorset, reveal a crime rate of 25.1 per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This figure is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, indicating a relatively safer environment compared to the national picture. While the overall crime rate is lower, it’s crucial to examine the specific types of crime occurring and understand any emerging trends. The safety score for Charminster is a reassuring 94 out of 100, further demonstrating a generally safe community. However, a thorough understanding of local crime patterns is essential for maintaining safety and security.

Charminster's crime statistics reveal a concerning pattern, with violence and sexual offences being the most prevalent, accounting for nearly half (47.5%) of all recorded incidents. There were 29 such crimes reported between January 2025 and December 2025. Anti-social behaviour followed, with 11 incidents, while criminal damage and arson, along with vehicle crime and other theft, each saw 4 reported crimes. It’s important to acknowledge that these figures reflect reported incidents; the true extent of crime may be higher. The area’s population density, a mix of residential housing and local businesses, may contribute to these patterns. The presence of commercial activity can unfortunately increase the likelihood of certain crimes such as theft and criminal damage, while residential areas are potentially more susceptible to violence and anti-social behaviour. Demographic factors, such as age distribution and household composition, could also play a role, but further investigation would be required to establish definitive links.

Crime rates in Charminster have been steadily decreasing since January 2025. The overall trend shows a significant reduction of -29.9% year-on-year. While the monthly figures fluctuate, with a peak in April 2025 (3.3 per 1,000) and a low in February 2025 (0.4 per 1,000), the overall downward trajectory is clear. For instance, the rate in January 2025 was 2.9 per 1,000, decreasing to 2.1 per 1,000 in December 2025. This positive trend suggests ongoing efforts to reduce crime are proving effective.

How To Keep Safe in Charminster

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences in Charminster, it's vital to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Consider using well-lit routes and avoiding isolated areas. Due to the incidence of anti-social behaviour, be mindful of your belongings in public spaces and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. With vehicle crime being a factor, ensure your vehicle is securely locked and parked in a well-lit area. Finally, be vigilant regarding criminal damage; report any incidents promptly and consider security measures for your property, such as secure fencing or lighting.

Crime in Charminster varies throughout the day. Burglary is most likely to occur during the afternoon (12pm-6pm), accounting for 11% of incidents. Theft is frequently seen during commercial hours, particularly in the afternoon (12pm-6pm), representing 45% of those incidents. Vehicle crime is more prevalent during the evening and night, especially between 6pm and 4am, when 22% of incidents happen. The evening hours (6pm-12am) also see a higher proportion of incidents linked to other crime types, suggesting a correlation with increased activity and potential opportunities for opportunistic offenses.

Charminster's crime rate of 25.1 per 1,000 stands in contrast to its surrounding areas. Charlton Down and Stinsford, Lower Bockhampton and Kingston Maurward report no recorded crimes, highlighting a significantly safer environment. Dorchester, however, experiences a considerably higher crime rate of 72.6 per 1,000, demonstrating a wider variation in safety levels across the Dorset region. Winterborne St Martin, another nearby location, has a crime rate of 40.6 per 1,000. These comparisons demonstrate that while Charminster is comparatively safe, it is important to be aware of the varying crime levels within the broader Dorset area.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide footage after a crime has occurred. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actually preventing threats at your property line is another. With a crime rate of 25.1 per 1,000, and a concerning number of violence and sexual offences reported in Charminster, proactive security is becoming increasingly important. scOS offers a different approach. Its AI detects potential threats at your property boundary, watching all cameras simultaneously and verifying vehicles with the DVLA database. The system learns your routines and family members, alerting you only to genuine risks. Most burglars decide within 60 seconds – the visible deterrence of scOS often makes them move on. While a traditional alarm system might notify you after a break-in, scOS prevents the break-in itself.