Verwood Crime Rate

Verwood, within Dorset, recorded a crime rate of 36.4 incidents per 1,000 residents during the period of January 2025 to December 2025. This figure is considerably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, placing Verwood as a relatively safer area. While fluctuations occur month-to-month, the overall trend demonstrates a decrease in crime. Notably, the area boasts a safety score of 91 out of 100, further indicating a positive perception of safety among residents. Understanding the specific types of crime and their prevalence is crucial for informed decision-making and community safety initiatives.

The crime landscape in Verwood is primarily influenced by its blend of residential areas, local businesses, and proximity to rural surroundings. The population, numbering 14,117, contributes to a varied range of activities, from bustling market days to quieter evening routines. The area's demographics, with a mix of families, young professionals, and retirees, can impact the types of crimes observed. While the village centre experiences higher foot traffic and potential for opportunistic theft, the surrounding residential areas face risks related to burglaries and vehicle crime. The presence of local businesses also makes shoplifting a relevant concern within the community. Understanding these factors is key to interpreting Verwood's crime statistics and developing targeted preventative measures.

The observed decrease in crime rates within Verwood, representing a -5.2% year-on-year reduction, is a positive development. Monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 reveals fluctuations, with a peak in incidents during July (4.3 per 1,000) and a notable decline towards the end of the year, reaching a low of 2.3 per 1,000 in December. This downward trend suggests the effectiveness of ongoing preventative measures and community engagement. Continued monitoring and analysis of these trends will be crucial for maintaining this positive trajectory.

How To Keep Safe in Verwood

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, being aware of your surroundings, especially when out alone, is paramount. Locking doors and windows, even during the day, is a simple but effective measure against burglary. Report any suspicious activity to the police promptly. Consider joining or supporting a local neighbourhood watch scheme to enhance community vigilance. Finally, secure your vehicles by parking in well-lit areas and ensuring valuables are out of sight.

Crime in Verwood exhibits patterns influenced by the time of day. During the morning (6am-12pm), burglaries represent 17% of incidents, with theft accounting for a significant 40%. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees theft remain high at 42%, while burglaries slightly increase to 27%. Evenings (6pm-12am) are characterized by a decrease in burglaries (25%) and a rise in other crimes (45%). Finally, overnight (12am-6am) shows a peak in burglaries (29%) and vehicle crime (33%), suggesting increased vulnerability during these hours. Understanding these trends is crucial for targeted preventative measures.

Comparing Verwood's crime rate to its neighbours reveals a varied picture. Whitmore and Cranborne report zero crimes, highlighting their exceptional safety. In contrast, Three Legged Cross experiences a significantly higher rate of 69.6 per 1,000, demonstrating a considerable difference in crime levels. Alderholt, with a rate of 26.3 per 1,000, falls somewhere between these extremes. These comparisons underscore Verwood's relatively low crime rate within the wider Dorset region.

Traditional CCTV systems often serve as a recording device, capturing footage after a crime has occurred. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actively preventing threats at your property line is another. Systems like scOS take a proactive approach. scOS uses AI to learn your property's routines and instantly recognizes unfamiliar activity at your boundary. It verifies vehicles with the DVLA database, instantly flagging suspicious plates. The visible presence of scOS cameras and the automated response – lights activating, speakers engaging – can be a powerful deterrent, often causing potential intruders to move on within those crucial 60 seconds. If you're looking for more than just a recording system, consider the preventative power of scOS.