Motcombe Crime Rate

Motcombe is one of Dorset's safest villages, currently holding an outstanding safety score of 94/100, which is far above the UK average of 79. The area's overall crime rate is a remarkably low 19.7 per 1,000 residents, comparing very favourably to the national average of 91.7. Although the area has seen an increasing trend of 50.0% over the past year, this rise is from an exceptionally low baseline and the village remains a high-safety environment. Property crime is low at 11.0 per 1,000, but specific patterns in theft, burglary, and vehicle crime have emerged, particularly during the night-time hours. This analysis provides a detailed breakdown of local crime statistics to help you understand and maintain the exceptional safety of your home and neighbourhood.

In Motcombe, the crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 33.3% of all recorded incidents at a rate of 6.6 per 1,000 residents. 'Other theft' is the second most common crime type at 18.5% (3.6 per 1,000), followed by criminal damage and arson at 14.8%.

The property crime rate in Motcombe is 11.0 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.3. This category includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft. Within this mix, 'other theft' is the most frequent, but burglary and vehicle crime are also notable, each occurring at a rate of 2.2 per 1,000. For residents, this indicates a very safe environment, but one where property and vehicles are consistent targets. The timing of these offences is critical: burglary and vehicle crime are most frequent at night (12am-6am), accounting for 26% and 41% of night-time incidents respectively. Additionally, theft peaks in the afternoon at 48%. This suggests that while overall volumes are low, property is most vulnerable during the afternoon and early morning hours. Homeowners should focus on securing both their homes and vehicles, particularly overnight.

Motcombe is currently experiencing an increasing crime trend, with total offences rising by 50.0% over the past 12 months. Analysis of the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a very low but fluctuating crime rate. The year began with exceptionally low rates of 1.5 in December and 0.7 in January. Throughout the spring, the rate remained stable at 1.5 per 1,000 residents. A significant peak occurred in July, where the rate reached 5.8, likely reflecting a brief period of increased opportunistic activity. However, this was followed by a return to low levels in late summer. While these numbers are still very low in a national context, the 50.0% increase suggests that the village is seeing more activity than in previous years. Residents should remain vigilant, particularly as vehicle crime and burglary are noted factors in the local crime profile.

How To Keep Safe in Motcombe

The most common crime in Motcombe is violence and sexual offences, but the risks to property and vehicles require specific attention. To maintain your safety in the village:

1. Prioritise vehicle security overnight. Since vehicle crime accounts for 41% of night-time offences (12am-6am), ensure your car is locked and ideally parked in a garage or behind a secure gate.
2. Be mindful of home security during the afternoon (12pm-6pm), as this is the peak period for theft (48%) and a high-risk time for burglary (26%). Ensure doors and windows are locked when away.
3. Secure all garden equipment and tools. 'Other theft' is the second most common crime in Motcombe and is often opportunistic, peaking during the morning and afternoon hours.
4. If you witness any suspicious activity, report it to the local police. With crime on an increasing trend, community vigilance is essential to help authorities manage local safety effectively.
5. Join the Motcombe Neighbourhood Watch to stay connected with other residents and receive timely updates on local safety matters or specific theft alerts in the North Dorset area.

The timing of crime in Motcombe reveals specific windows of risk for property and vehicle owners. During the morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft is the primary concern, accounting for 44% and 48% of incidents respectively. This points to opportunistic activity during the day. As the village moves into the evening and night, the pattern shifts significantly. In the evening (6pm-12am), 'other' crimes (including social issues) rise to 39%, while burglary and vehicle crime both sit at 19%. The most dramatic change occurs during the night (12am-6am), where vehicle crime surges to account for 41% of all recorded offences, and burglary remains high at 26%. These patterns suggest that while daytime activity is linked to theft, the night-time presents a high and specific risk to vehicles and residential properties.

Motcombe is situated in a high-safety rural pocket of North Dorset. When compared to the nearby towns of Shaftesbury (60.4) and Gillingham (45.3), Motcombe is significantly safer. It is only surpassed in safety by the tiny hamlets of Higher Coombe and Stour Row, both of which recorded zero crimes. For those looking for a balance between a functional village community and exceptional safety, Motcombe offers a superior security profile compared to its larger neighbours. Its extremely low crime rate makes it a regional leader in residential security.

In Motcombe, the property crime rate is a low 11.0 per 1,000 residents, yet vehicle crime accounts for a significant 41% of all night-time offences. Traditional security systems are reactive; they record an incident and notify you after it has happened, which is of little use if your vehicle is already stolen. Proactive protection is essential to stop these incidents before they occur. An AI-powered system like scOS provides this edge. By monitoring your property boundaries and driveways in real-time, scOS can distinguish between a resident and a potential car thief. If an unauthorised individual loiters near your vehicle at night, the system can autonomously activate lights or audio warnings. This 'active deterrence' is far more effective at protecting a household than a camera that simply captures footage of a crime. With scOS, you move from recording a crime to preventing it, ensuring your property remains as safe as the rest of the village and protecting against the area's 50.0% increasing crime trend.