Motcombe Crime Rate

Recent crime statistics for Motcombe, Dorset, reveal a concerning trend. Over the period of January 2025 to December 2025, the area recorded a crime rate of 19.0 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, highlighting a disproportionately elevated level of criminal activity within Motcombe. While the population is relatively small (1369), the annual crime rate remains a cause for concern, especially when considering the overall safety score of 95/100, which suggests a perception of safety that doesn’t entirely align with the statistical reality. The data indicates a worrying increase in criminal activity, which will be analysed further in this report.

The most recent data for Motcombe, Dorset, from January 2025 to December 2025, reveals a concerning pattern of criminal activity. Violence and sexual offences account for the largest proportion of recorded crimes, with 8 incidents representing 30.8% of the total. 'Other theft' follows closely behind, with 5 incidents (19.2%), encompassing various forms of petty theft. Criminal damage and arson also present a notable concern, with 4 incidents (15.4%). While burglary and vehicle crime each have 3 recorded incidents (11.5% and 11.5% respectively), the presence of these crimes contributes to the overall safety concerns within the area. Finally, anti-social behaviour accounts for 7.7% of crimes recorded during this period, demonstrating a range of issues affecting the community.

The data for Motcombe reveals a concerning upward trend in crime rates. Between January 2025 and December 2025, crime has increased by a significant 52.9% year-on-year. This surge is reflected in the monthly data, which shows fluctuations but generally indicates elevated levels of criminal activity compared to earlier periods. For example, the monthly rate reached a peak of 5.8 per 1,000 in July 2025, although it dropped to 0.7 per 1,000 in August and December. This volatility underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and proactive measures to address the underlying causes of this concerning trend.

How To Keep Safe in Motcombe

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when walking alone at night. Consider travelling in groups or utilising well-lit routes. With other theft being a significant concern, secure your valuables and be mindful of pickpockets. Ensure doors and windows are locked, even when you're at home. Due to the incidents of criminal damage and arson, report any suspicious behaviour to the authorities promptly. Finally, consider joining or forming a neighbourhood watch scheme to increase vigilance and community cohesion.

Crime in Motcombe doesn’t demonstrate a clear, consistent pattern across the day. Burglary shows a slightly higher incidence in the afternoon (26%) and night (24%) periods. Violence and sexual offences, while less frequent overall, tend to be concentrated in the evening (0%) and night (0%) hours. Theft is most common during the afternoon (48%), aligning with commercial hours. Vehicle crime exhibits a higher prevalence during the night (41%), potentially linked to opportunistic theft. The data highlights the importance of vigilance throughout the day and night, as criminal activity isn’t limited to any specific timeframe.

Compared to neighbouring areas, Motcombe's crime rate presents a varied picture. Shaftesbury, for example, has a substantially higher rate of 61.2 per 1,000, suggesting a more significant crime problem. In contrast, Higher Coombe and Stour Row report zero incidents, indicating a considerably safer environment. Gillingham (Dorset) also shows a higher rate at 45.6 per 1,000. These comparisons underscore the localised nature of crime and highlight that while Motcombe faces challenges, it is not universally unsafe within the region.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide footage after a burglary has occurred. With a crime rate of 19.0 per 1,000, reading these statistics can be unsettling. Consider a proactive approach to home security. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, offers a fundamentally different way to protect your property. Unlike conventional systems that merely record events, scOS uses AI to detect potential threats before they escalate. Its multi-camera intelligence watches your property simultaneously, identifying suspicious activity at the boundary – be it a vehicle with cloned plates or an individual approaching your home. The visible presence of scOS acts as a powerful deterrent, often causing potential intruders to reconsider their actions. The element of surprise is destroyed before a crime can even begin. For those seeking a higher level of protection, scOS represents a shift from reactive security to proactive prevention.