Verwood Crime Rate July 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Verwood’s crime profile in July 2025, accounting for nearly 40% of the 61 reported crimes. At 4.3 per 1,000 residents, the area’s crime rate was 50% below the UK average of 8.6, a stark contrast to national trends. This disparity is particularly evident in violent crime, which stood at 1.7 per 1,000—44% below the UK average of 3.0. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 29.5% of incidents at 1.3 per 1,000, also below the UK rate. The seasonal context of July, with schools out and tourism at its peak, likely plays a role in shaping these patterns. While festivals and outdoor events may draw crowds to Verwood, the low levels of property crime—such as shoplifting, which was 85% below the UK average—suggest a community with strong local engagement and effective policing. The relatively low crime rate may be attributed to Verwood’s character as a built-up area within Dorset, where residential density is balanced by a strong sense of community. However, the sharp increase in burglary and vehicle crime this month raises questions about the impact of transient populations or changes in local activity. The absence of significant spikes in theft from the person or vehicle crime, despite the tourist season, indicates that Verwood’s crime profile remains distinct from coastal resorts or major urban centres. This month’s data underscores the need for targeted interventions in areas experiencing rising burglary rates, while also highlighting the area’s overall safety compared to the UK.

July saw a sharp 200% increase in both burglary and vehicle crime, with incidents rising from one to three in each category. This spike contrasts with an 83.3% drop in criminal damage and arson, which fell from six to one. Violence and sexual offences, the most common crime type, remained 44% below the UK average of 3.0 per 1,000, illustrating a persistent safety advantage in Verwood. Anti-social behaviour also fell 16% below the UK rate, a trend consistent with the area’s lower overall crime profile. For residents, the daily crime rate of two incidents per day offers a tangible measure of local risk. The increase in burglary and vehicle crime may reflect heightened activity during summer festivals or the presence of transient populations in the area from the data alone. Bicycle theft, which rose by 100% to one incident, highlights the vulnerability of personal property in public spaces during peak tourist months.

Verwood's crime rate in July 2025 rose 19.7% from 3.6 to 4.3 per 1,000 residents compared to the previous month, reflecting a shift in crime patterns. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately two reported crimes each day over the 31-day period, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for local residents. When considering the monthly exposure, one crime was reported for roughly every 231 residents in July—a rate that, while low, highlights the need for continued vigilance. This monthly aggregate does not account for daily fluctuations but provides a clear snapshot of the area’s overall safety. The population of 14,117 means that crime is spread across a relatively small community, where individual incidents can have a noticeable impact on local perception of safety. The rise in crime this month, though modest, may be linked to seasonal factors such as increased foot traffic during festivals or the absence of school holidays, which can influence public behaviour in built-up areas.