Shaftesbury Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Shaftesbury, Dorset, reveal a crime rate of 61.2 per 1,000 residents annually, based on data collected between January 2025 and December 2025. While this figure remains below the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, it represents an increase over the previous year. The safety score for Shaftesbury is 87/100, indicating a generally safe environment, though the recent upward trend warrants attention. Understanding these figures and the contributing factors is essential for ensuring the wellbeing of the community and implementing effective crime prevention strategies. The data highlights the importance of community vigilance and proactive safety measures.

In Shaftesbury, violence and sexual offences represent the most significant category of crime, accounting for 30.6% of recorded incidents (201 crimes). Anti-social behaviour follows closely behind at 25.9% (170 crimes), demonstrating a potential need for community engagement and preventative measures. Criminal damage and arson contribute a further 10.1% (66 crimes), highlighting vulnerabilities within the area's infrastructure and public spaces. Shoplifting accounts for 8.1% (53 crimes), suggesting issues within the retail sector that may warrant targeted security improvements. The prevalence of these crime types suggests a complex interplay of social, economic, and environmental factors influencing criminal activity within Shaftesbury.

Crime in Shaftesbury has seen a concerning increase of 16.5% year-on-year. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with a peak in crime rates during April (6.6 per 1,000) and July (7.8 per 1,000). Lower rates were observed in February (3.0 per 1,000) and June (3.7 per 1,000). This upward trend underscores the need for proactive crime prevention strategies and increased community vigilance to mitigate further escalation and ensure the safety of residents. The variability in monthly rates suggests seasonal factors or specific events may be influencing criminal activity.

How To Keep Safe in Shaftesbury

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, be mindful of your surroundings, especially when out alone at night. Report any suspicious activity to the authorities promptly. With anti-social behaviour also a concern, consider participating in community watch schemes to foster a sense of collective responsibility. Due to the incidence of criminal damage and arson, ensure your property is well-lit and secure. Finally, be vigilant regarding shoplifting; report any suspicious behaviour to retail staff and the police.

Crime in Shaftesbury exhibits varied patterns throughout the day. Burglary incidents show a slight concentration in the afternoon (27%), while vehicle crime is more prevalent during the night (36%). Theft tends to peak during commercial hours in the afternoon (31%), and other crimes show a higher incidence in the evening (55%). These patterns suggest a need for targeted patrols and preventative measures during these peak times to address specific crime risks.

Shaftesbury's crime rate stands in contrast to several neighbouring areas. Higher Coombe and Donhead St Mary have reported no crimes during the period, demonstrating significantly lower levels of criminal activity. Motcombe, however, exhibits a crime rate of 19.0 per 1,000, closer to Shaftesbury's own rate. These variations underscore the localised nature of crime and the potential for targeted interventions to address specific concerns within each area. The disparity in crime rates across these close communities suggests a complex mix of local factors influencing criminal activity.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide footage after a burglary has occurred. Reading crime statistics, as presented here, is one thing; actively preventing crime at your property line is another. scOS takes a proactive approach, utilizing AI to detect threats before they escalate. Its multi-camera intelligence watches your property continuously, identifying potential intruders, fake number plates (thanks to DVLA verification), and unusual activity. By learning your family's routines and recognising regular deliveries, scOS filters out normal activity and only alerts you to genuine threats. The visible deterrence of professional-grade security equipment, like that used within the scOS system, can often be enough to make burglars reconsider their actions, particularly when they know they’re being watched by an intelligent system. This element of surprise is often enough to deter them entirely.