Langton Matravers Crime Rate

Langton Matravers is one of Dorset's safest settlements, boasting an exceptional safety score of 92/100. This is significantly higher than the UK average of 79, reflecting a very secure environment for its residents. The overall crime rate stands at 31.8 per 1,000 people, which is remarkably low compared to the UK average of 91.7. Furthermore, the area is experiencing a positive downward trend, with crime decreasing by 29.0% year-over-year. This combination of a high safety score and a declining crime rate makes Langton Matravers a highly desirable and secure location. The following sections provide a detailed analysis of crime types, temporal patterns, and how the village compares to its neighbours to help you understand the local safety landscape.

In Langton Matravers, the crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 44.9% of all recorded incidents at a rate of 14.3 per 1,000 residents. Unusually for a rural area, 'other theft' is the second most common crime type, representing 20.4% of the total (6.5 per 1,000), followed by anti-social behaviour at 14.3%.

The overall property crime rate in Langton Matravers is 10.4 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.3. This category includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts. 'Other theft' is the dominant force within this bracket, while more serious property crimes are rare: burglary and vehicle crime each occur at a rate of just 0.7 per 1,000, and shoplifting is equally infrequent. For residents, this indicates that while opportunistic theft of items from gardens, outbuildings, or public spaces is a noted factor, the risk of a domestic break-in or car theft is exceptionally low. Homeowners should focus on securing external assets and being mindful of opportunistic 'other theft' which peaks during the daytime hours.

Langton Matravers is currently experiencing a very positive safety trend, with a significant 29.0% decrease in total crime year-over-year. A review of the monthly data from January to November 2025 shows a consistently low crime rate, rarely exceeding 4.6 per 1,000 residents. The year saw small peaks in February and September (both 4.6), which were followed by immediate declines. Notably, October 2025 recorded the lowest rate of the year at just 1.3 per 1,000. This pattern of brief, low-level fluctuations followed by rapid returns to baseline suggests that crime in the village is sporadic and well-managed rather than systemic. For residents, this declining trend reinforces the area's reputation as a secure and peaceful community, where the likelihood of being a victim of crime is steadily reducing.

How To Keep Safe in Langton Matravers

The most common crime in Langton Matravers is violence and sexual offences, though 'other theft' is also a significant factor. To stay safe in the village:

1. Secure all garden equipment, bicycles, and tools in a locked shed or garage. 'Other theft' is the second most common crime here and is often opportunistic.
2. Be vigilant during the night (12am-6am), as this is when the proportional risk of vehicle crime and burglary is at its highest. Ensure cars are locked and parked securely.
3. If you are walking in the evening, stick to familiar, well-lit paths. While the village is very safe, general personal awareness is always recommended.
4. Report any suspicious activity or loitering to the local police. With a decreasing crime trend, community reporting is vital to maintaining this positive direction.
5. Consider joining the local Neighbourhood Watch to stay informed about any specific theft patterns or safety alerts in the Purbeck area.

The timing of crime in Langton Matravers reveals a strong focus on the daytime for theft-related offences. During the morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft accounts for a dominant 79% and 82% of all incidents, respectively. This points to opportunistic activity during the working day. As the day progresses into the evening and night, the nature of crime shifts. In the evening (6pm-12am), 'other' crimes increase to 32%, while the night-time (12am-6am) sees the most significant change in property risk. During these early hours, vehicle crime jumps to 22% and burglary to 14% of all recorded offences. While the overall volume of crime is low, these percentages highlight that property and vehicles are most vulnerable while the village is asleep.

Langton Matravers is situated in a remarkably safe part of Dorset. When compared to nearby Corfe Castle (42.7) and the larger town of Swanage (44.9), Langton Matravers is the safer option. It is only surpassed in safety by the tiny hamlets of Harman's Cross and Worth Matravers, which recorded zero crimes. For those looking for a balance between a functional village community and high safety, Langton Matravers offers a superior safety profile compared to most surrounding areas. Its low crime rate and high safety score make it a regional leader in residential security.

In Langton Matravers, the property crime rate is 10.4 per 1,000 residents, with 'other theft' being the most common concern. This suggests that opportunistic theft of items from gardens or driveways is more likely than a home break-in. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or DIY doorbells, often only provide evidence after a theft has occurred. To truly protect your home in a quiet area like this, proactive security is essential. An AI-powered system like scOS monitors your property boundaries in real-time, identifying threats before they reach your door. By using autonomous responses—such as activating lights or audio warnings—scOS can stop a thief in their tracks, preventing the crime entirely. This is particularly valuable given the night-time spike in vehicle crime (22%) and burglary (14%) proportions. With scOS, you move from recording a crime to preventing it, ensuring your property remains as safe as the rest of the village.