Sandford (Dorset) Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Sandford (Dorset) reveal a rate of 61.8 crimes per 1,000 residents annually, covering the period from January 2025 to December 2025. This figure is lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, and reflects a relatively safer environment compared to the national picture, with a safety score of 86 out of 100. However, the data also indicates a concerning upward trend, with crime increasing by 23.3% year-on-year. This increase warrants attention and proactive measures to maintain the area’s safety. Understanding the specific types of crime prevalent in Sandford, and the factors contributing to these trends, is crucial for residents and local authorities.

The most prevalent crimes recorded in Sandford (Dorset) between January 2025 and December 2025 were violence and sexual offences, accounting for 32.1% of all recorded incidents. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, representing 25.8% of crimes. Other theft made up 11.3%, and burglary accounted for 8.2%. While burglary rates are relatively low compared to other crime types, they remain a concern for residents. Further examination reveals that criminal damage and arson are also present at a similar level to burglary. The property crime rate, encompassing burglary, criminal damage, and other theft, stands at 23.7 per 1,000 residents, highlighting the importance of preventative measures for homeowners and businesses alike. Understanding these specific crime types allows for a more targeted approach to community safety initiatives.

The upward trend in crime rates for Sandford (Dorset) is a cause for concern, showing an increase of 23.3% year-on-year. Examining the monthly data reveals fluctuations throughout the period between January 2025 and December 2025. A significant spike occurred in March 2025, with a rate of 8.9 per 1,000 residents, followed by a similar peak in April. While rates decreased slightly in May, June, July and August, they rose again in September and October. A notable dip occurred in October and November before returning to a similar level in December. This volatility underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and adaptive strategies to address the evolving crime landscape.

How To Keep Safe in Sandford

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences in Sandford, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night. With anti-social behaviour also a significant factor, report any suspicious activity to the authorities promptly. To protect against the risk of theft, secure your belongings and be mindful of your valuables when out and about. Finally, consider reinforcing your home security with robust locks and window alarms, especially given the occurrence of burglaries.

The patterns of crime in Sandford reveal variations across different times of the day. Burglary is most likely to occur in the late evening and overnight, particularly between 6pm and 12am. Violence tends to peak during the evening hours, especially on weekends. Theft is often concentrated during the afternoon, coinciding with commercial activity. Vehicle crime shows a higher incidence overnight, between 11pm and 6am, suggesting opportunities for opportunistic theft. Understanding these time-based trends can inform targeted safety measures and community awareness campaigns.

Sandford’s crime rate of 61.8 per 1,000 residents sits between Holton Heath (0.0) and Wareham (52.4), and above Ridge (0.0) and Stoborough (41.6). This suggests that while Sandford is generally safer than some neighbouring areas, it is not without its challenges. Comparing these figures provides context for understanding the relative safety of Sandford within the broader Dorset region.

Traditional CCTV systems offer a reactive approach – recording footage after a crime has occurred. While this can be valuable for investigations, it doesn't prevent the incident from happening. scOS, however, takes a proactive stance. Its AI-powered system monitors all cameras simultaneously, identifying potential threats at your property boundary, such as unfamiliar vehicles or individuals. The DVLA vehicle verification instantly flags suspicious plates, while pattern learning recognises your family and deliveries, minimising false alarms. The visible presence of scOS acts as a significant deterrent; most burglars will decide within those crucial 60 seconds to move on, rather than risk encountering a professionally protected property. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively preventing threats at your property line is another.