Verwood Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 saw Verwood's crime rate stand at 3.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 48.4% below the UK average of 6.4. This marked contrast with national trends was driven by a distinct crime profile: anti-social behaviour accounted for 34% of all incidents, followed by violence and sexual offences (21.3%) and shoplifting (14.9%). The winter months typically see lower outdoor activity, yet Verwood's data revealed a notable exception in shoplifting, which surged unexpectedly. While the area's built-up character within Dorset may contribute to higher anti-social behaviour rates, its overall safety compared to the UK suggests strong community policing or other local factors. The seasonal lull in outdoor crime likely explains the relatively low property crime rates, with vehicle crime and burglary both falling below UK averages. However, the sharp rise in shoplifting defies typical winter patterns, hinting at potential shifts in retail activity or enforcement priorities. These findings underscore the need for tailored approaches to crime prevention that balance seasonal trends with localized challenges.

February's crime statistics revealed stark contrasts in category trends. Shoplifting leapt 600% from January, rising from 1 to 7 incidents—a surge that outpaced all other categories. This anomaly may partly explain the 38.2% monthly increase in the overall rate, despite declines in vehicle crime (-66.7%) and burglary (-50%). Anti-social behaviour, at 1.1 per 1,000, exceeded the UK average by 21%, a figure that stands out given Verwood's generally low crime profile. Conversely, violence and sexual offences in Verwood were 70% below the UK average, a gap that may reflect the area's smaller population and lower density of nightlife venues. The rise in bicycle theft (100% increase) and other theft (100% increase) suggests targeted vulnerabilities, linked to local retail or community events. Residents might find the 70% UK gap in violent crime particularly reassuring. These shifts highlight the need for dynamic policing strategies that adapt to both seasonal and emerging patterns.

Verwood's crime rate in February 2026 rose 38.2% from January's 2.4 per 1,000.4% below the UK average. This increase, while significant, is tempered by the area's overall safety: over the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 300 residents. Daily crime figures showed 2 incidents per day, a rate that appears consistent with the area's low-density built-up character. When compared to the UK's broader context, Verwood's 3.3 per 1,000 rate is lower, particularly in violent crime categories. The 70% gap in violence and sexual offences compared to the UK average may reflect Verwood's smaller population and lower concentrations of high-risk environments. However, the 600% jump in shoplifting complicates this picture, suggesting localized pressures that diverge from national trends. For residents, the monthly exposure of 1-in-300 remains a low figure, but the sudden rise in retail crime indicates a need for targeted interventions. These comparisons highlight both the strengths and specific vulnerabilities of Verwood's crime profile within the broader Dorset and UK context.