Sixpenny Handley Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Sixpenny Handley, Dorset, reveal a concerning trend. Over the period of Jan 2025 to Dec 2025, the area recorded a crime rate of 34.9 per 1,000 residents, significantly higher than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000. While the overall safety score stands at a respectable 91 out of 100, indicating a generally safe environment, a worrying increase of 31.6% year-on-year highlights a growing need for attention. This rise necessitates a closer examination of the types of crimes occurring and the factors contributing to this trend, empowering residents to make informed decisions about their safety and security.

The crime landscape of Sixpenny Handley, Dorset, reveals a concerning pattern. Violence and sexual offences constitute the largest proportion of recorded crimes, accounting for 38.0% of incidents (19 crimes). Criminal damage and arson follow, contributing 16.0% (8 crimes), while anti-social behaviour accounts for 12.0% (6 crimes). Property crime, encompassing burglary, theft, and vehicle crime, represents a significant portion of overall recorded incidents. Burglary specifically accounts for 10.0% of crimes (5 incidents), highlighting a vulnerability within the area. The prevalence of these crime types underscores the need for community vigilance and targeted preventative measures.

The concerning increase of 31.6% in crime year-on-year necessitates careful consideration. Examining monthly data reveals fluctuations, with a low point in February (0.7 per 1,000/month) followed by peaks in May (4.9 per 1,000/month) and December (4.2 per 1,000/month). This volatility suggests seasonal or cyclical influences on crime patterns within Sixpenny Handley. Further investigation into the events coinciding with these peaks may reveal underlying factors driving the rise, allowing for targeted preventative measures to be implemented.

How To Keep Safe in Sixpenny Handley

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's crucial to be aware of your surroundings, particularly when out alone. Consider walking with a friend or using well-lit routes. Due to the higher incidence of criminal damage, secure valuable outdoor items and report any suspicious activity promptly. With burglaries also a concern, ensure your doors and windows are locked, and consider installing security lighting. Finally, regarding anti-social behaviour, be a good neighbour and report any disturbances to the appropriate authorities – a collective effort is key to maintaining a safe community.

Criminal activity in Sixpenny Handley exhibits a notable pattern across different times of the day. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), burglaries account for 23% of incidents, with theft contributing 20%. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees burglaries remain significant at 38%, while theft represents 21%. In the evening (6pm-12am), burglaries decrease to 28%, but vehicle crime rises to 13%. The night hours (12am-6am) witness a concerning shift, with burglaries at 32% and vehicle crime peaking at 30%, highlighting potential vulnerabilities during these periods.

Sixpenny Handley's crime rate contrasts sharply with its neighbouring villages. Bowerchalke, Cranborne, Berwick St John, and Martin (New Forest) all report crime rates of 0.0 per 1,000 residents. This disparity underscores Sixpenny Handley’s unique challenges and suggests that factors specific to the area are contributing to the elevated crime statistics. Understanding these differences is vital for developing targeted safety strategies.

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