Verwood Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Anti-social behaviour dominated Verwood’s crime profile in July 2023, accounting for 30% of all reported incidents. This category, which includes disorderly conduct and public disturbances, was the most frequently recorded offence, with 12 cases reported — 0.9 per 1,000 residents, 37% below the UK average of 1.4 per 1,000. The area’s overall crime rate of 2.8 per 1,000 residents placed it 66.3% below the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000, a stark contrast to national trends. While violence and sexual offences (25% of total crimes) and other theft (10%) followed as the next most common categories, both were significantly below their respective UK averages. The summer season likely contributed to the prominence of anti-social behaviour, as increased foot traffic from tourism and festivals may have heightened opportunities for such incidents. Verwood’s low crime rate, particularly in violent and property crimes, suggests a community with strong social cohesion and effective local policing, though the seasonal context may have amplified non-violent disturbances. The area’s built-up nature within Dorset, combined with its relatively low population density, may explain the limited exposure to severe crimes typically seen in larger urban centres.

July 2023 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with burglary tripling from zero to three incidents, and theft from the person and drug-related offences each increasing by 100% compared to June. These rises, though small in absolute terms, may reflect seasonal factors such as increased property visibility during summer evenings or targeted opportunism around local events. Conversely, violence and sexual offences fell sharply by 54.5% from 22 to 10 cases, a reduction consistent with the UK-wide trend of lower violent crime during summer months. Public order offences also declined by 50%, possibly linked to improved policing during peak tourist periods. Anti-social behaviour remained the most prevalent category but was still 37% below the UK average, highlighting Verwood’s comparatively lower levels of disorder compared to national benchmarks. For residents, the 1-in-353 chance of experiencing a crime in July offers reassurance, though the increase in burglary underscores the need for continued vigilance in securing properties during the summer season.

Verwood’s crime rate in July 2023 dropped by 24.5% from June’s 3.8 per 1,000 to 2.8 per 1,000, a decline that aligns with the UK’s general seasonal trend of reduced crime during summer. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one reported crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that translates to a monthly exposure rate of one crime for every 353 residents. This places Verwood among the safest areas in the UK, with its low crime rate reflecting both demographic characteristics and effective local policing. The population-scaled perspective reveals that the likelihood of encountering crime in Verwood is significantly lower than the national average, where the UK’s 8.3 per 1,000 rate equates to roughly one in 121 residents experiencing a crime monthly. The built-up nature of Verwood within Dorset, combined with its relatively low population density, may contribute to this safety profile, though the seasonal spikes in anti-social behaviour suggest that community engagement during peak tourist periods remains a critical factor in maintaining low crime levels.