Chickerell Crime Rate

Chickerell is a notably secure urban settlement, evidenced by its safety score of 88 out of 100. The area's overall crime rate is 50.4 per 1,000 people, which sits comfortably below the UK national average of 91.7. While there has been a 16.7% increase in crime year-over-year, the total volume of incidents remains low, particularly in categories like burglary and robbery. The property crime rate is also significantly lower than the national average, standing at 14.7 per 1,000 residents. This data suggests that while residents should remain aware of local trends, Chickerell remains one of the safer places to live in the Dorset local authority area, providing a stable and secure environment for its population.

In Chickerell, the crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which constitute 38.5% of all reported incidents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 23.6%, followed by criminal damage and arson at 11.5%. Property crime—which encompasses burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and arson—occurs at a rate of 14.7 per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3, suggesting that Chickerell is a relatively secure area for property owners. Vehicle crime and other theft each account for roughly 6% to 7% of total crime, while burglary is comparatively rare, representing just 2.2% of local offences. For residents, this means that while personal safety and community conduct are the primary concerns, property-related threats are less frequent than in many other urban settlements.

Chickerell has experienced a 16.7% increase in total crime over the past year. Looking at the monthly data from Dec 2024 to Nov 2025, the crime rate showed notable fluctuations. The highest rate was recorded in May 2025, reaching 6.7 crimes per 1,000 people. Other months, such as July and October, also saw slightly elevated activity. However, the period ended on a downward note, with the rate dropping to 2.8 in November 2025. While the overall annual trend is upward, the low baseline figures mean that even a small number of additional incidents can result in a high percentage change. Residents should view this increase as a reason for continued awareness rather than alarm, given the area's overall high safety score.

How To Keep Safe in Chickerell

The most common crime type in Chickerell is violence and sexual offences, which often involves domestic incidents or disputes between known parties. To stay safe in public, especially during the evening, remain aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit routes. Anti-social behaviour is also a notable factor; reporting such incidents to the local council or police helps ensure that community issues are addressed early. For property owners, the data shows that vehicle crime peaks significantly during the night (12am-6am), accounting for nearly half of all night-time incidents. Always ensure your vehicle is locked, windows are fully closed, and no valuables—even small change or charging cables—are visible. If possible, park in a garage or a well-lit driveway. For those concerned about home security, installing motion-activated lighting can be a simple but effective deterrent against opportunistic theft and criminal damage.

Crime in Chickerell exhibits clear time-based trends, particularly regarding property and vehicle-related offences. During the morning and afternoon, theft is the most prominent crime type, peaking at 51% of all incidents between 12 pm and 6 pm. This likely corresponds to periods when commercial areas are busiest and some residential properties are empty. As evening approaches, the focus shifts toward anti-social behaviour and other community issues. Most notably, the night-time hours between midnight and 6 am see a sharp spike in vehicle crime, which accounts for 46% of all recorded offences during this window. This suggests that vehicle owners are at the highest risk when their cars are parked overnight, whereas daytime risks are more centred on general theft.

In the local context, Chickerell occupies a middle ground for safety. It is substantially safer than the larger nearby town of Weymouth, where the crime rate is nearly double at 99.4 per 1,000 people. It also compares favourably to Fortuneswell, which has a rate of 71.8. Conversely, very small nearby settlements such as Portesham and Osmington recorded no crimes at all, which is common for tiny rural communities. For those looking for a balance between urban amenities and safety, Chickerell offers a much more secure environment than the major regional hubs while maintaining a higher safety score than many comparable urban settlements in the UK.

With a property crime rate of 14.7 per 1,000 people, Chickerell is statistically safer than the average UK town, yet property protection remains a smart investment. Standard security systems like Ring or Nest are primarily reactive; they alert you after someone has already stepped onto your porch or entered your home. In an area like Chickerell, where vehicle crime accounts for a significant portion of night-time incidents, proactive protection is far more effective. scOS uses AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to watch your property boundaries constantly. It can distinguish between a neighbour walking their dog and a potential threat lingering by your car. By activating autonomous responses like lights or speakers before a crime is committed, scOS stops the '60-second decision' a criminal makes. This shift from recording a crime to preventing it is the key to maintaining the high safety standards residents expect in Chickerell.