Ferndown Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Ferndown’s crime rate in July 2023 stood at 3.8 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 54.2% below the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000. This stark contrast highlights Ferndown’s consistently lower crime profile compared to national trends, a position reinforced by the dominance of anti-social behaviour (22.4% of all crimes), violence and sexual offences (20.7%), and shoplifting (17.2%) as the most common crime types. The seasonal context of July—peak summer, school holidays, and tourism—likely contributed to the mix of crimes recorded, with anti-social behaviour and public order offences potentially influenced by increased outdoor activity and events. However, the area’s crime rate remains lower than the UK average for all major categories, including violence (71% below UK average) and property crimes (54.2% below overall). This pattern aligns with Ferndown’s character as a smaller, more contained built-up area within Dorset, where community cohesion and lower population density may contribute to reduced criminal activity. The sharp rise in shoplifting, however, suggests that specific local factors, such as the timing of festivals or retail events, could temporarily disrupt the area’s usual crime trends. Overall, Ferndown’s data illustrates a balance between seasonal fluctuations and its broader position as a safer area within the UK’s crime profile.

July 2023 saw a dramatic 900% increase in shoplifting, rising from one to ten incidents—a spike that contrasts sharply with the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This surge may be linked to summer tourism and the timing of local festivals, which could have increased foot traffic in retail areas. Meanwhile, public order offences rose by 166.7%, reflecting a 50% jump from three to eight incidents, a trend consistent with the seasonal context of outdoor events and school holidays. Conversely, burglary and vehicle crime both fell by 75%, from four to one incident each, due to increased community vigilance or the absence of students during summer break. Violence and sexual offences also decreased by 42.9%, from 21 to 12, a decline that may align with the quieter pace of life in Ferndown during July. These shifts illustrate how seasonal rhythms and local dynamics can influence crime patterns, even within a generally low-crime area.

Ferndown's crime rate in July 2023 rose by 20.8% compared to June, climbing from 3.1 to 3.8 per 1,000 residents. Despite this increase, the area remains far below the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000, underscoring its consistently lower crime profile. Locally, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 264 residents over the course of the month, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents within the built-up area. Daily crime statistics show an average of two crimes per day in July, a rate that, while slightly higher than the previous month, still reflects a relatively low level of criminal activity. The population-scaled perspective highlights that Ferndown’s 15,332 residents experience crime at a fraction of the national rate, a trend consistent with its status as a smaller, more contained community compared to larger urban centres. This contrast reinforces the area’s position as a safer environment within the UK’s broader crime profile.