Sherborne Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Sherborne

Sherborne, a historic market town in Dorset, reports an overall crime rate of 53.4 per 1,000 residents per year. This figure places Sherborne below the UK average crime rate of 93.1 per 1,000, indicating a comparatively safer environment. The safety score for the area stands at a commendable 89 out of 100, which is higher than the UK average safety score of 78. In terms of recent trends, Sherborne has experienced an increase, with an 8.6% rise in its year-over-year crime figures. This introduction provides a concise overview of Sherborne's crime landscape, setting the context for a more detailed analysis of its specific crime types and patterns.

Crime Type Analysis in Sherborne

An examination of Sherborne's crime statistics reveals that 'Anti-social behaviour' is the most prevalent category, accounting for 205 crimes (17.0 per 1,000 residents), representing 31.8% of the total reported incidents. 'Violence and sexual offences' follows as the second most common, with 194 crimes (16.1 per 1,000, 30.1% of total), indicating concerns related to public safety. 'Shoplifting' ranks as the third highest crime type, with 74 incidents (6.1 per 1,000, 11.5% of total), reflecting challenges in retail environments.

Focusing on property-related crime, which includes categories such as burglary, shoplifting, other theft, vehicle crime, and bicycle theft, Sherborne records a rate of 16.7 per 1,000 people. This is considerably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.9 per 1,000. Specific figures show burglary at 18 crimes (1.5 per 1,000, 2.8% of total) and vehicle crime at 22 crimes (1.8 per 1,000, 3.4% of total). For residents and homeowners in Sherborne, while the overall property crime rate is below the national average, the presence of shoplifting and other theft indicates a need for vigilance, particularly in commercial areas and regarding personal belongings.

Crime Trends in Sherborne

Sherborne has experienced an increasing trend in its crime figures, with a year-over-year rise of 8.6%. This indicates a slight upward shift in the town's overall crime rate compared to the previous year. Examining the monthly trend data further illustrates this pattern. Crime rates per 1,000 residents fluctuated, starting at 5.5 in November 2024, dipping to a low of 2.2 in February 2025, and then generally increasing towards the latter part of the year, reaching 6.1 in October 2025. This upward trend suggests a need for increased awareness among residents and potentially highlights areas where crime prevention efforts could be strengthened in Sherborne.

How To Keep Safe in Sherborne

With 'Anti-social behaviour' being the most prevalent crime type in Sherborne, it's important for residents to be aware of how to mitigate its impact and ensure personal safety. While the town maintains a high safety score, proactive measures can always enhance your security.

Firstly, if you encounter anti-social behaviour, avoid direct confrontation and, if necessary, remove yourself from the situation. Secondly, report persistent issues or specific incidents to the local police or council, as this helps authorities address hotspots. Thirdly, ensure your property is well-maintained and not inviting for anti-social gatherings, for example, by ensuring good lighting and securing bins. Lastly, participate in or support local community initiatives aimed at fostering a positive environment, as community engagement can deter anti-social activities. These localised tips are designed to help maintain the peaceful character of Sherborne.

Understanding Time-Based Crime Patterns in Sherborne

Crime in Sherborne exhibits distinct patterns throughout the day. In the 'Morning' period (6am-12pm), 'Theft' is the most prevalent crime type at 52%, followed by 'Other' crimes at 27%, with 'Burglary' and 'Vehicle' crimes also present. The 'Afternoon' (12pm-6pm) sees 'Theft' peaking at 55%, while 'Burglary' increases to 17%, and 'Other' crimes are 24%. This suggests a high incidence of opportunistic crimes during busy daylight hours.

As the day moves into 'Evening' (6pm-12am), 'Other' crimes become the largest category at 47%, and 'Theft' reduces to 24%. 'Burglary' is 17%, and 'Vehicle' crime is 13%. During the 'Night' (12am-6am), 'Vehicle' crime becomes the dominant type at 33%, with 'Other' crimes at 34%, and 'Burglary' at 21%. 'Theft' is lowest at 12%. These patterns highlight specific periods when residents should be particularly attentive to different types of crime in Sherborne.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To better understand Sherborne's crime rates, it's useful to examine its neighbouring areas. Sherborne has an overall crime rate of 53.4 per 1,000 people per year. In comparison, Milborne Port reports a slightly lower rate of 48.7 crimes per 1,000 people/year, suggesting a similar safety profile. Areas such as Nether Compton, Longburton, and Leweston report exceptionally low crime rates of 0.0 crimes per 1,000 people/year. While these extremely low figures may indicate limited data, they highlight a regional contrast. This comparison helps residents understand Sherborne's safety profile within its immediate locality, showing it to be moderately safe relative to its very low-crime neighbours.

Proactive Security for Your Sherborne Property

With Sherborne's property crime rate at 16.7 per 1,000 people, which is considerably below the UK average, residents should still consider robust home security. Traditional security solutions often fall short by merely recording a crime after it's happened, offering little in the way of actual prevention.

For superior protection, an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS offers a proactive solution. Unlike typical cameras that provide footage of a burglary, scOS is engineered to prevent it by detecting threats at your property's boundary. Its multi-camera intelligence ensures no blind spots, and advanced features such as DVLA vehicle verification can identify suspicious vehicles instantly. scOS learns your household's routines, accurately distinguishing between normal activity and genuine threats, thereby minimising false alarms. The system's autonomous response, including activating lights and engaging speakers, is designed to deter intruders effectively, often causing them to move on within the first minute. Investing in such professional-grade, proactive security ensures your Sherborne home is safeguarded with advanced deterrence, offering true peace of mind.