Sturminster Marshall Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Sturminster Marshall, Dorset, reveal a crime rate of 39.6 per 1,000 residents from January 2025 to December 2025. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a comparatively safer environment. While the overall rate is reassuring, a closer examination of the data is crucial to understanding the specific challenges faced by the community. The area has demonstrated a decrease in crime, falling by 15.7% year-on-year, indicating a positive trend in safety and security. Further analysis of the crime types and their distribution is essential to inform targeted preventative measures and enhance community resilience.

The crime landscape in Sturminster Marshall reveals a concerning prevalence of violence and sexual offences, accounting for 42.2% of reported crimes, with 43 incidents recorded throughout the data period. Criminal damage and arson follow closely, representing 17.6% of recorded incidents and 18 crimes. Anti-social behaviour also contributes significantly to the area's crime statistics, with 14 incidents reported. While burglary is a factor, it accounts for a smaller proportion of overall crime at 8.8%, with 9 reported burglaries. Other theft constitutes 7.8% of incidents, and vehicle crime, though present, remains relatively low at 2.9%. The presence of shoplifting, with just one reported incident, suggests a limited issue, but the overall picture highlights a need for focused preventative measures.

Crime in Sturminster Marshall has been steadily decreasing, with a significant drop of 15.7% year-on-year. Monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 reveal fluctuations, with a particularly low period in February (1.2 per 1,000/month) and a peak in May (5.4 per 1,000/month) and again in December (5.0 per 1,000/month). These fluctuations may be attributable to seasonal factors or local events, but the overall downward trend provides a positive indication of improving safety and security within the community.

How To Keep Safe in Sturminster Marshall

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences in Sturminster Marshall, it’s crucial to remain vigilant in public spaces. Be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night, and avoid walking alone where possible. Criminal damage and arson are also a concern, so ensure your property is well-lit and secure. Consider installing motion-activated lights and reinforcing vulnerable entry points. Anti-social behaviour can often be a precursor to more serious crime, so report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Finally, if you have a vehicle, park in well-lit areas and ensure your vehicle is locked and alarmed.

Throughout Sturminster Marshall, crime tends to fluctuate depending on the time of day. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), burglaries account for 18% of incidents, while theft represents 35%. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees a shift towards theft (36%) and a continued presence of burglaries (29%). The evening (6pm-12am) is marked by a decrease in burglaries (25%) but an increase in potential risk. Finally, the night (12am-6am) sees the highest concentration of burglaries (33%) and vehicle crime (17%), suggesting a period of heightened vulnerability. Understanding these patterns can inform preventative measures and targeted patrols.

Compared to Sturminster Marshall, neighbouring areas present varying crime profiles. Beacon Hill reports a significantly lower crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000, indicating a remarkably safe environment. Lytchett Matravers shows a moderate rate of 34.2 per 1,000, while Corfe Mullen reports a rate of 31.0 per 1,000. Spetisbury, similarly to Beacon Hill, has a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000, highlighting the diverse safety landscape within the region. These comparisons underscore the importance of understanding local factors influencing crime rates.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide footage after a crime has occurred. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively preventing threats at your property line is another. With a crime rate of 39.6 per 1,000 in Sturminster Marshall, a proactive security system can offer significant peace of mind. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, changes the game by detecting potential threats at the property boundary before they escalate. The system’s multi-camera intelligence monitors all angles simultaneously, instantly verifying vehicle registrations with the DVLA, and learns your family’s routines. The visible presence of scOS – its lights and audible deterrents – can be enough to make a burglar reconsider their actions, often causing them to move on within that crucial 60-second window. This level of proactive protection provides a far more effective deterrent than reactive systems.