Swanage Crime Rate

Swanage records an overall crime rate of 46.9 per 1,000 people per year, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. The area achieves a solid safety score of 89 out of 100, notably surpassing the UK average of 78. Encouragingly, Swanage's crime rate is on a decreasing trend, having fallen by 23.0% year-over-year. These figures provide a clear picture of the crime landscape in Swanage, offering valuable information for residents and those interested in the area.

In Swanage, Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 42.9% of all incidents with 189 crimes (20.1 per 1,000 people). Anti-social behaviour follows, making up 17.9% of the total with 79 incidents (8.4 per 1,000). Criminal damage and arson is the third highest category, with 41 recorded crimes (4.4 per 1,000), representing 9.3% of offences. Property-related crime, which includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage and arson, stands at 13.7 per 1,000 people per year. This rate is substantially lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. While the overall property crime rate is favourable, the presence of criminal damage and arson suggests that residents should be mindful of securing their property.

Swanage has demonstrated a positive trend in its crime statistics, with a year-over-year decrease of 23.0%. Monthly crime rate data per 1,000 people shows fluctuations; for instance, a peak of 5.0 was observed in August 2025, contrasting with a lower rate of 2.6 in January 2025. This downward trend, despite occasional monthly variations, indicates an improving safety landscape for residents. The consistent lower figures in early 2025 suggest effective measures or changing dynamics contributing to reduced overall crime.

Crime patterns in Swanage show distinct hourly variations throughout the day and week. During the early morning hours, crime intensity is typically at its lowest. As the day progresses, particularly in the late morning and afternoon, there is an increase in activity, often associated with daytime commercial and public engagements. The evening hours see a further rise in crime, with peaks in late evening, especially on weekends, reflecting increased social activity. Night-time hours, particularly after midnight, show a moderate level of activity, often associated with vehicle crime and some burglaries when properties are unattended.

Comparing Swanage to its surrounding areas provides valuable regional context for its safety profile. Its crime rate of 46.9 per 1,000 is generally comparable to or lower than some of its immediate neighbours. When contrasted with Langton Matravers, Studland, Harman's Cross, and Worth Matravers, Swanage typically presents a similar or slightly higher crime profile, reflecting its status as a coastal town. This comparison helps residents gauge the local safety environment and how it contrasts with smaller, more rural communities.

Protecting Your Property in Swanage

With Swanage's property crime rate at 13.7 per 1,000 people, and a decreasing overall trend, investing in effective home security is a wise decision. Traditional security cameras often only provide footage after a burglary has occurred, acting reactively rather than proactively. If you are looking for real protection, consider advanced solutions that focus on preventing crime before it happens. Modern AI-powered security operating systems, like scOS, detect threats at your property boundary, rather than after a break-in. By utilising multi-camera intelligence, these systems watch all cameras simultaneously and can even verify vehicles, ensuring only real threats trigger alerts. This proactive approach destroys the element of surprise for potential intruders, making them move on. While DIY systems have their place, professional-grade equipment offers a different level of deterrence, signalling serious protection and actively intervening in real-time to safeguard your home and belongings.