Swanage Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Swanage, Dorset, reveal a crime rate of 45.4 incidents per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This figure places Swanage below the UK average crime rate of 91.6 per 1,000, and reflects a higher safety score of 89/100 compared to the UK average of 79/100. However, while the overall rate is comparatively lower, understanding the types of crimes prevalent within the area is crucial for community safety. Notably, crime rates have been decreasing, showing a positive trend of -19.0% year-on-year, indicating a potential improvement in overall safety. Further analysis of crime breakdown and trends provides a more comprehensive picture of the area’s safety landscape.

Swanage, within Dorset, exhibits a nuanced crime profile. The most prevalent offences recorded between January 2025 and December 2025 were violence and sexual offences, accounting for 42.1% of all reported crimes (180 incidents). This is followed by anti-social behaviour (19.2%, 82 crimes), and criminal damage and arson (8.9%, 38 crimes). Shoplifting represents a further 8.2% of incidents (35 crimes), while public order offences account for 6.8% (29 crimes). While theft is a concern, it is split across various categories including 'other theft' (5.2%, 22 crimes) and theft from the person (0.9%, 4 crimes). Burglary, vehicle crime, and robbery are less common, representing 2.6%, 2.1%, and 0.5% of recorded crimes respectively. The overall property crime rate stands at 13.1 per 1,000 residents, which, while concerning, doesn’t fully encapsulate the variety of offences impacting the community.

Crime rates in Swanage have been steadily decreasing between January 2025 and December 2025, showing a significant reduction of -19.0% year-on-year. This positive trend is reflected in the monthly data, which shows a gradual decline in incidents across several months. For example, the crime rate in January 2025 was 2.6 per 1,000, while December 2025 saw a rate of 3.6 per 1,000. While there are fluctuations month to month, the overall downward trend indicates improved safety measures or increased community vigilance. Continued monitoring and proactive initiatives are crucial to sustain this positive trajectory.

How To Keep Safe in Swanage

Given that violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type in Swanage, several precautions are advisable. Firstly, be mindful of your surroundings, especially during evening hours. Secondly, report any suspicious activity to the police promptly. Thirdly, consider joining or forming a neighbourhood watch scheme to foster community vigilance. Finally, ensure your home and vehicle are securely locked, particularly when unattended. These simple steps can contribute to a safer environment for everyone in Swanage.

Crime in Swanage tends to follow a daily pattern influenced by both commercial activity and leisure. During the morning (6am - 12pm), burglaries are less frequent, with theft being the most prevalent crime type, often related to shopping or local business operations. The afternoon (12pm - 6pm) sees a continuation of this trend, with theft remaining a significant concern. As evening approaches (6pm - 12am), vehicle crime and other offences increase, potentially linked to increased foot traffic and leisure activities. Finally, during the night (12am - 6am), burglaries are more likely to occur, although vehicle crime also remains a risk, suggesting opportunistic targeting. Understanding these patterns can help residents and businesses take proactive steps to enhance their security.

Swanage’s crime rate is notably different compared to its neighbours. Langton Matravers has a rate of 34.5 per 1,000, while Studland and Harman’s Cross both report a rate of 0.0 per 1,000, indicating significantly safer conditions. Worth Matravers also shares the zero-crime rating. These variations highlight that crime levels within the Dorset area are not uniform, and local factors contribute to these differences. Residents should be aware of these variations when assessing their own safety and security.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a crime has occurred – essentially documenting the incident rather than preventing it. In Swanage, with a crime rate of 45.4 per 1,000, proactive protection is paramount. scOS offers a fundamentally different approach. Using AI, scOS detects potential threats at your property boundary, before they escalate. Multi-camera intelligence watches all cameras simultaneously, instantly verifying threats and differentiating between family members, deliveries, and genuine risks. The DVLA vehicle verification feature instantly flags suspicious vehicles, while pattern learning recognises your routines, further reducing false alarms. This autonomous response – activating lights and speakers to deter potential intruders – can make the 60-second decision a burglar makes far more difficult, often prompting them to move on. If you’re serious about protecting your home in Swanage, consider the proactive difference scOS can provide.