Verwood Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Verwood

Verwood, a pleasant urban settlement within Dorset, reports a notably low overall crime rate of 38.8 per 1,000 residents per year. This figure is substantially below the UK average crime rate of 93.1 per 1,000, positioning Verwood as a very safe community. The safety score for the area is an excellent 91 out of 100, far exceeding the UK average safety score of 78. In terms of recent trends, Verwood has experienced an increase, with a 6.6% rise in its year-over-year crime figures. This introduction provides a clear overview of Verwood's favourable crime landscape, setting the stage for a detailed examination of its specific crime types and patterns.

Crime Type Analysis in Verwood

An analysis of Verwood's crime statistics reveals that 'Violence and sexual offences' constitute the most prevalent category, accounting for 204 crimes (14.4 per 1,000 residents), representing 37.3% of all reported incidents. Following this, 'Anti-social behaviour' is the second most common, with 102 crimes (7.2 per 1,000, 18.6% of total), indicating some public order concerns. 'Other theft' ranks as the third highest crime type, with 52 incidents (3.7 per 1,000, 9.5% of total), highlighting issues related to miscellaneous theft.

Focusing on property-related crime, which includes categories such as burglary, other theft, shoplifting, vehicle crime, and bicycle theft, Verwood records a low rate of 13.6 per 1,000 people. This is considerably below the UK average property crime rate of 32.9 per 1,000. Specific figures show burglary at 33 crimes (2.3 per 1,000, 6.0% of total) and vehicle crime at 19 crimes (1.4 per 1,000, 3.5% of total). For residents and homeowners in Verwood, these figures indicate a significantly lower risk of property crime compared to national averages. While the risk is low, common-sense security measures for homes and belongings remain prudent to maintain this high level of safety.

Crime Trends in Verwood

Verwood has experienced an increasing trend in its crime figures, with a year-over-year rise of 6.6%. This indicates a slight upward shift in the town's overall crime rate compared to the previous year. Examining the monthly trend data further illustrates this pattern. Crime rates per 1,000 residents fluctuated, starting at 3.5 in November 2024 and reaching a peak in July 2025 at 4.3, before settling at 3.1 in October 2025. While the increase is modest, it suggests a need for continued vigilance. For residents, this trend means that while Verwood remains a very safe area, awareness of changing crime patterns is beneficial to ensure community safety is maintained.

How To Keep Safe in Verwood

Given that 'Violence and sexual offences' are the most prevalent crime type in Verwood, personal safety should be a key consideration for residents. While the town maintains an excellent safety score, adopting proactive measures can further enhance your security.

Firstly, when out in Verwood, especially in public areas or during evenings, be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone in poorly lit or secluded spots. Secondly, if you are socialising, ensure you have a plan for getting home safely, such as pre-booking a taxi or arranging a lift. Thirdly, avoid escalating confrontational situations and try to remove yourself if you feel threatened. Lastly, report any instances of violence or suspicious behaviour to the local police immediately, as this helps to maintain the community's safety. These localised tips are important for navigating Verwood securely.

Understanding Time-Based Crime Patterns in Verwood

Crime in Verwood exhibits distinct patterns throughout the day. In the 'Morning' period (6am-12pm), 'Theft' is the most prevalent crime type at 47%, followed by 'Other' crimes at 27%, with 'Burglary' and 'Vehicle' crimes also present. The 'Afternoon' (12pm-6pm) sees 'Theft' remaining high at 48%, while 'Burglary' significantly increases to 25%, and 'Other' crimes are 24%. This suggests a high incidence of opportunistic crimes during daylight hours.

As the day moves into 'Evening' (6pm-12am), 'Other' crimes become the largest category at 44%, and 'Theft' reduces to 20%. 'Burglary' remains high at 24%, and 'Vehicle' crime is 12%. During the 'Night' (12am-6am), 'Vehicle' crime becomes the dominant type at 29%, with 'Other' crimes at 32%, and 'Burglary' at 29%. 'Theft' is lowest at 10%. These patterns highlight specific periods when residents should be particularly attentive to different types of crime in Verwood.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

Verwood's crime rates can be better understood by comparing them to its neighbouring communities. Verwood has a very low overall crime rate of 38.8 per 1,000 people per year. In comparison, Three Legged Cross reports a significantly higher rate of 75.8 crimes per 1,000 people/year, suggesting a less safe environment. Alderholt has a lower rate of 26.6 crimes per 1,000 people/year, indicating greater safety. Areas such as Whitmore and Cranborne report exceptionally low crime rates of 0.0 crimes per 1,000 people/year. While these extremely low figures may indicate limited data, they highlight a regional contrast. This comparison reinforces Verwood's standing as a very safe area within its immediate locality, despite the presence of some higher-crime neighbours.

Proactive Security for Your Verwood Property

Even with Verwood's exceptionally low property crime rate of 13.6 per 1,000 people, which is well below the UK average, ensuring robust home security is a prudent decision. Traditional security systems often provide a reactive response, merely documenting a crime after it has occurred, which offers little in the way of actual prevention.

For a truly effective solution, consider an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS. Unlike conventional cameras that provide footage of a burglary, scOS is engineered to prevent it by actively detecting threats at your property's boundary. Its multi-camera intelligence works in unison to monitor all angles, and advanced features such as DVLA vehicle verification can swiftly identify suspicious vehicles. scOS learns your household's routines, accurately distinguishing between normal activity and genuine threats, thereby minimising false alarms. The system's autonomous response, including activating lights and engaging speakers, is designed to deter intruders instantly, often causing them to move on within the critical first minute. Investing in such professional-grade, proactive security ensures your Verwood home benefits from advanced deterrence, offering unparalleled peace of mind.