Verwood Crime Rate January 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 14,117, Verwood recorded 43 crimes in January 2025, translating to a crime rate of 3.1 per 1,000 residents—56.3% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This rate, while relatively low, reflects a distinct crime profile shaped by the area's seasonal and geographic context. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 53.5% of all incidents, followed by criminal damage and arson at 14.0% and public order offences at 9.3%. These figures suggest that interpersonal conflicts and property-related disputes are the primary drivers of crime in Verwood, a small built-up area within Dorset. The seasonal context of January—marked by post-holiday periods, reduced retail activity, and shorter daylight hours—likely contributes to the observed patterns. While property crimes like burglary and vehicle crime remain below UK averages, the prominence of violent offences indicates a need for targeted interventions in community safety initiatives. The low crime rate is consistent with rural-adjacent areas where social cohesion and limited commercial activity may naturally reduce opportunities for certain types of crime. However, the increase in violence and sexual offences compared to the previous month raises questions about potential shifts in local dynamics, such as changes in community engagement or unmet needs during the winter months.

January 2025 saw a 35.3% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 17 to 23 cases—a shift that may reflect post-holiday tensions or increased social interactions during colder weather. Meanwhile, other theft fell sharply by 75%, from 12 to 3 cases, potentially linked to reduced retail footfall and holiday-related activity winding down. The breakdown of crime types reveals stark contrasts with the UK average: Verwood's rate of violence and sexual offences was 36% below the national figure, while anti-social behaviour was 69% below the UK average. This discrepancy suggests that Verwood's community dynamics, influenced by its smaller population and lower density, contribute to lower rates of these specific categories. A resident might find the 84% reduction in shoplifting compared to the UK average particularly noteworthy, indicating that local retail areas may be experiencing lower levels of targeted theft than typical for similar-sized towns.

Verwood's crime rate in January 2025 fell to 3.1 per 1,000 residents, a 15.5% decrease from the previous month's rate of 3.6 per 1,000. This decline aligns with typical seasonal patterns observed in similar small built-up areas, where reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours contribute to lower outdoor crime rates. On a daily basis, Verwood experienced approximately one reported crime per day over the 31-day period, reflecting a low-frequency crime environment compared to larger urban centres. When considering monthly exposure, the data shows that over the course of January, one reported crime occurred for every 328 residents—a statistic that contextualises the scale of crime in relation to the area's population of 14,117. This figure is particularly notable when compared to the UK average, which would equate to roughly one crime for every 140 residents. The population-scaled perspective underscores Verwood's relatively safe profile, though localised factors such as community engagement and seasonal dynamics may further influence these numbers.