Dorchester (Dorset) Crime Rate

Dorchester (Dorset) records an overall crime rate of 75.2 per 1,000 people per year, which is lower than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. The area achieves a solid safety score of 84 out of 100, exceeding the UK average of 78. Over the past year, Dorchester (Dorset) has experienced a stable crime trend, with a slight decrease of 1.5% year-over-year. These figures provide a clear picture of the crime landscape in Dorchester (Dorset), offering valuable information for residents and those interested in the area.

In Dorchester (Dorset), Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 31.8% of all incidents with 547 crimes (23.9 per 1,000 people). Anti-social behaviour follows, making up 22.4% of the total with 386 incidents (16.9 per 1,000). Shoplifting is the third highest category, with 211 recorded crimes (9.2 per 1,000), representing 12.2% of offences. Property-related crime, which includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage and arson, stands at 27.2 per 1,000 people per year. This rate is lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. While the overall property crime rate is favourable, the notable percentage of shoplifting suggests that businesses and residents in commercial areas should remain vigilant against theft.

Dorchester (Dorset) has maintained a stable crime trend over the last year, with a minor decrease of 1.5% year-over-year. Monthly crime rate data per 1,000 people shows some variability; for example, a higher rate of 8.4 was observed in October 2024, contrasting with a lower rate of 4.9 in February 2025. The data indicates a general consistency in crime levels, with no dramatic shifts. This stability suggests a predictable safety environment for residents, with fluctuations within a narrow range over the past year.

Crime patterns in Dorchester (Dorset) exhibit varying intensities throughout the day and week. During the early morning hours, crime levels are typically subdued. As the morning progresses into the afternoon, there's a noticeable increase in activity, often associated with commercial hours and public presence. The evening period sees a further rise, with peaks in late evening, especially on weekends, reflecting increased social interactions. Night-time hours, particularly after midnight, show a moderate level of activity, often linked to property-related incidents when premises are less supervised.

Comparing Dorchester (Dorset) to its surrounding areas provides valuable regional context. Its crime rate of 75.2 per 1,000 is generally lower than that of larger urban centres. When contrasted with nearby communities such as Charminster, Stinsford, Lower Bockhampton and Kingston Maurward, Winterborne St Martin, and Charlton Down, Dorchester (Dorset) typically presents a comparable or slightly lower crime profile, reinforcing its position as a relatively safe area within the local region. This comparison is useful for understanding the broader safety landscape of the area.

Protecting Your Property in Dorchester (Dorset)

With Dorchester (Dorset)'s property crime rate at 27.2 per 1,000 people, residents should prioritise robust home security. Relying solely on traditional recording devices like Ring or Nest means you often only get footage of a crime after it has occurred, rather than preventing it. For those seeking proactive protection, an AI-powered home security operating system such as scOS offers a significant advantage. This technology is designed to detect threats at your property boundary, stopping intruders before they gain entry. With multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors all cameras simultaneously, learning your routines to differentiate between genuine threats and everyday activity. This professional-grade deterrence makes potential burglars reconsider within moments, providing real-time intervention and a higher level of security than reactive systems.