Corfe Castle Crime Rate

Corfe Castle maintains an impressive safety profile, with a safety score of 89/100, placing it well above the UK average of 79. The area's overall crime rate stands at 42.7 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national benchmark of 91.7. This rural Dorset village is characterised by its low crime density and peaceful atmosphere. Most encouragingly, the recent trend data indicates that crime is decreasing, with a notable 21.7% reduction year-over-year. This downward trajectory reinforces Corfe Castle's reputation as a secure and desirable location. The following data provides a detailed breakdown of local crime types, temporal patterns, and regional comparisons to help residents and visitors understand the local safety landscape.

In Corfe Castle, the most significant crime category is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 47.2% of all recorded incidents with a rate of 20.2 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by anti-social behaviour (15.3%) and criminal damage and arson (9.7%). Collectively, these three categories represent the majority of local police activity.

When examining property-related crime—which includes burglary, robbery, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft—the area maintains a relatively low rate of 11.8 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.3. Within this category, vehicle crime and 'other theft' both occur at a rate of 2.4 per 1,000, while burglary remains infrequent at 1.8 per 1,000. For residents, this suggests that while the village is generally very safe, there is a consistent, albeit low, level of opportunistic property crime that warrants basic security precautions. Homeowners should be particularly mindful of vehicle security and external property, as these represent the most common targets within the theft category.

The crime trend in Corfe Castle is currently very positive, with a 21.7% decrease in total offences over the last 12 months. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 reveals a relatively stable environment with occasional fluctuations. The crime rate per 1,000 residents remained below 4.0 for most of the year, with a significant spike observed in June 2025, where the rate reached 10.1. This peak likely corresponds with the start of the busy summer tourist season. However, this was followed by a sharp decline in July (1.8) and a return to low levels for the remainder of the year. The consistent low figures in the autumn and winter months (ranging from 1.2 to 2.4) suggest that the underlying crime rate is exceptionally low when visitor numbers are reduced. For residents, this trend indicates a very stable and safe community.

How To Keep Safe in Corfe Castle

The most prevalent crime type in Corfe Castle is violence and sexual offences, which often includes domestic incidents or low-level verbal altercations. To maintain personal safety in the village:

1. Stick to well-lit main routes when walking alone at night, especially during the winter months when the village's historic streets can be quite dark.
2. Be aware of your surroundings during peak tourist seasons; while the village is safe, the influx of visitors can lead to crowded areas where minor disputes are more likely to occur.
3. If you witness anti-social behaviour, which is the second most common issue, report it to the local Dorset Police non-emergency line to help them map and address recurring patterns.
4. Ensure your vehicle is parked in a secure, well-lit location overnight, as vehicle crime is the primary concern during the early morning hours (12am-6am).
5. Join a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme to stay informed about any specific local safety alerts or community initiatives.

Crime in Corfe Castle follows distinct temporal patterns. The morning and afternoon periods are dominated by 'other' crimes and theft, with burglary accounting for 20% of afternoon incidents. As the day transitions into the evening, the proportion of 'other' crimes (including anti-social behaviour) rises to 57%. The most notable shift occurs during the night (12am-6am), where vehicle crime surges to represent 31% of all offences. This suggests that while daytime activity is often linked to retail or visitor-related theft, the night-time presents a specific risk to property left outdoors. Residents should be aware that 20% of all burglaries also occur during the night hours, highlighting the need for consistent overnight security.

When comparing Corfe Castle to its immediate neighbours, the village sits in a very low-crime region. Harman's Cross and Worth Matravers both recorded a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000, representing the highest possible level of safety. Langton Matravers is slightly safer than Corfe Castle with a rate of 31.9, while Stoborough is very similar with a rate of 38.9. All of these areas are well below the UK average, making this pocket of Dorset one of the safest in the country. Corfe Castle's rate of 42.7 is slightly higher than its immediate rural neighbours, likely due to its status as a popular tourist destination which brings a higher transient population during peak months.

With a property crime rate of 11.8 per 1,000 residents, Corfe Castle is a low-risk area, yet the rural nature of the village presents unique security challenges. Traditional security systems often rely on recording a crime as it happens, which provides little comfort to a homeowner after the fact. In a quiet area like Corfe Castle, the element of surprise is a powerful deterrent. Proactive protection through an AI-powered system like scOS changes the dynamic by detecting threats at the property boundary. Instead of just capturing footage of a theft, scOS uses autonomous responses—such as activating intelligent lighting or audio warnings—to intervene before an intruder can gain access. This is particularly relevant given that vehicle crime accounts for 31% of night-time offences in the area. By identifying suspicious patterns and verifying vehicles, scOS ensures that your home remains a hard target, encouraging opportunists to move on rather than attempt a break-in.