Crossways Crime Rate

Crossways maintains a high standard of safety, evidenced by its impressive safety score of 91/100, which is significantly better than the UK average of 79. The overall crime rate in the area stands at 36.7 per 1,000 residents, a figure that is substantially lower than the national average of 91.7. Recent data indicates a positive trend for the community, with crime rates decreasing by 13.8% year-over-year. This downward trajectory, combined with the area's low crime volume, makes Crossways one of the safer urban settlements in the Dorset Local Authority. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of local crime types, temporal patterns, and practical safety recommendations for residents.

In Crossways, the criminal landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 36.2% of all recorded incidents (13.3 per 1,000 residents). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 21.7% and other theft at 13.0%. When examining property-related crime collectively—including burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft—the rate stands at 13.8 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3, suggesting that while residents should remain vigilant, the statistical risk of property loss is relatively low. For homeowners, the presence of burglary (10.1% of total crime) and vehicle crime (5.8%) highlights the need for consistent security practices, even in a high-safety area.

The crime trend in Crossways is currently on a downward trajectory, with a notable 13.8% decrease in total offences compared to the previous year. Analysis of the monthly data from late 2024 through 2025 reveals a fluctuating but generally low-volume pattern. The area experienced its highest crime rates in March, September, and October 2025, with each month recording 4.8 or 4.3 crimes per 1,000 people. Conversely, February and June 2025 were the quietest months, with rates dropping to just 1.6 per 1,000. These fluctuations are typical for smaller populations where a handful of incidents can significantly impact monthly percentages. For residents, the overall annual decrease is a reassuring sign of stability, suggesting that Crossways is maintaining its status as a very low-crime neighbourhood despite occasional monthly spikes.

How To Keep Safe in Crossways

The most prevalent crime type in Crossways is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 36.2% of local incidents. While the overall crime rate is low, staying aware of your surroundings is essential. When walking alone, especially during the evening or night, stick to well-lit paths and avoid shortcuts through isolated areas. If you are out late, try to travel with others or use a trusted taxi service.

Given the significant percentage of theft and burglary in the area, you should also focus on property security. Always double-check that your vehicle is locked and that no valuables are visible through the windows, as vehicle crime peaks during the night. For your home, ensure that high-quality locks are fitted to all entry points and consider installing a smart security system that alerts you to unusual activity. Finally, engaging with local neighbourhood watch schemes can provide valuable community-based intelligence and further enhance the safety of the Crossways area.

Crime in Crossways follows distinct temporal patterns, with activity levels varying significantly throughout the day. The afternoon and morning periods are most associated with theft, which accounts for 50% of crimes during these times. This suggests that opportunistic crimes are more common when people are active and local businesses are open. As the day progresses into the evening and night, the nature of crime shifts towards property-related offences. Night-time (12am - 6am) sees the highest concentration of burglary (38%) and vehicle crime (34%), indicating that offenders prefer the cover of darkness to target homes and cars. Evening hours also show a high percentage of 'other' crimes (31%), which often include public order or anti-social behaviour. Understanding these cycles allows residents to be more vigilant during high-risk periods, particularly by securing vehicles overnight and ensuring home security is active before dusk.

When comparing Crossways to its immediate neighbours, there is a stark contrast in crime volumes. Nearby areas such as Owermoigne, West Knighton, Broadmayne, and Winfrith Newburgh all recorded a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 people during the data period. This suggests that while Crossways is very safe by national standards, it serves as the primary hub for activity in this specific rural-urban cluster. Residents considering the wider region will find that while Crossways has a rate of 36.7, it remains an exceptionally low-crime environment compared to larger Dorset towns, providing a balance between local amenities and a secure residential atmosphere.

With a property crime rate of 13.8 per 1,000 residents, Crossways homeowners enjoy a level of security far above the UK average. However, the presence of burglary and vehicle crime, particularly during night-time hours, suggests that proactive protection remains a wise investment. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV, are reactive; they provide footage of a crime after it has occurred, which often does little to prevent the initial loss or trauma. In contrast, scOS offers a proactive approach to home security. By utilising AI-powered boundary detection, scOS identifies potential threats before they reach your home. Instead of simply recording a burglary, the system can trigger autonomous responses—such as activating lights or speakers—to deter intruders in real-time. For residents in Crossways, moving from reactive recording to proactive prevention with a system like scOS ensures that your home remains a hard target, encouraging opportunistic criminals to move on.