Ferndown Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Ferndown's December 2023 crime rate of 2.5 per 1,000 residents places it 65.3% below the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000, a disparity that underscores the area's distinct position within national crime statistics. This rate, which translates to 39 reported crimes for a population of 15,332, reflects a consistently low level of criminal activity relative to larger urban centres. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 23.1% of all incidents, followed closely by anti-social behaviour, which also contributed 23.1% to the total. Vehicle crime and criminal damage and arson formed the next most significant categories, each contributing approximately 12.8% and 10.3% respectively. These figures suggest a crime profile that is heavily influenced by local characteristics, including Ferndown's status as a smaller built-up area within Dorset, where community cohesion and lower population density may contribute to reduced opportunities for certain types of crime. The seasonal context of December—marked by Christmas shopping, party season, and dark evenings—may also play a role in shaping these patterns, as the increased presence of holiday shoppers and the reduced visibility of outdoor activities could influence both the frequency and nature of incidents. While violence and sexual offences accounted for a significant share of the total, they remained 77% below the UK average, a figure that highlights the effectiveness of local policing strategies or the impact of demographic factors such as a lower proportion of young adults in the area. This combination of factors contributes to a crime profile that is markedly different from the national average, with property-related crimes and public order offences showing more pronounced fluctuations than violent crime.

December 2023 saw a 100% increase in criminal damage and arson, rising from 2 to 4 incidents, a shift that may reflect heightened holiday-related activities or unoccupied homes during the festive season. Conversely, shoplifting incidents fell by 85.7% compared to the previous month, dropping from 7 to 1, potentially due to reduced retail foot traffic during the holiday period. Violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 23.1% of all crimes, were 77% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, a stark contrast to national trends. This category's decline from 21 incidents in the prior month to 9 in December suggests a possible reduction in alcohol-related incidents or improved community policing efforts. Anti-social behaviour also remained lower than the UK average, with 0.6 per 1,000 incidents, 35% below the national rate. These figures highlight a crime profile that diverges from the UK average, with property-related crimes and public order offences showing more pronounced fluctuations than violent crime.

Ferndown's December 2023 crime rate of 2.5 per 1,000 residents marked a 23.7% decrease from the previous month's rate of 3.3 per 1,000. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns typical of December, when reduced foot traffic in retail areas and fewer outdoor activities may lower opportunities for certain crimes. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 393 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure in a way that highlights the relatively low frequency of incidents for individuals living in the area. When compared to the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000, Ferndown's rate remains significantly lower, a trend consistent with its status as a smaller built-up area within Dorset. The daily crime count of approximately one incident per day further illustrates the manageable scale of crime in Ferndown relative to larger urban centres, where higher population densities often correlate with increased crime rates. This comparative context is crucial for residents and local authorities to understand the area's unique position within national crime statistics.