Verwood Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Verwood, a built-up area within Dorset, recorded 34 crimes in January 2026, a rate of 2.4 per 1,000 residents — 64.7% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This figure translates to one crime for every 415 residents over the course of the month, a statistic that highlights the area's consistently low crime levels. The breakdown of offences shows that violence and sexual offences accounted for 29.4% of total incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (26.5%) and criminal damage and arson (11.8%). These figures are significantly below the UK averages for their respective categories, with violence and sexual offences occurring at 72% below the national rate. The seasonal context of January, a post-holiday month with reduced retail activity and shorter days, may contribute to the lower numbers of shoplifting and other theft-related crimes. However, the increase in burglary and public order offences suggests that local factors, such as changes in community dynamics or seasonal transitions, could be influencing crime patterns. The overall profile of Verwood's crime suggests a quiet, low-risk environment, though the small month-on-month rise in certain categories warrants ongoing monitoring. The area's character as a small built-up area, likely with a mix of residential and commercial spaces, may explain the balance between property and violent crime, with anti-social behaviour and criminal damage reflecting the challenges of maintaining order in a compact community.

January 2026 saw three categories experience a 100% increase compared to December: burglary, public order offences, and 'other crime'. This includes a rise in burglary from zero to two incidents, marking a sharp upward trend in property crime. Conversely, shoplifting dropped by two-thirds, from three to one incident, aligning with the seasonal context of reduced retail footfall in a post-holiday period. Violence and sexual offences, the most common crime type, fell by 28.6% month-on-month, a shift that may reflect the quieter nature of January compared to the holiday season. The breakdown reveals that Verwood's crime profile remains markedly different from the UK average, with violence and sexual offences occurring at 72% below the national rate. For residents, the daily crime count of one incident provides a concrete measure of local security, though the overall figures continue to underscore the area's consistently low crime levels.

Verwood's crime rate in January 2026 rose by 6.2% compared to December 2025, moving from 2.3 to 2.4 per 1,000 residents. This small increase contrasts with the overall low levels seen in the area, which remains 64.7% below the UK average. On a daily basis, the town recorded one reported crime per day over the 31-day period, a figure that provides a tangible sense of frequency for residents. When scaled to the population of 14,117, the monthly exposure translates to one crime occurring for roughly every 415 residents. This statistic, while low, reflects the broader context of Verwood's historically quiet crime profile. The localised nature of these figures is critical; unlike national averages, they capture the specific rhythms of a small built-up area where community networks and local policing may contribute to sustained low crime levels. The 6.2% increase, though statistically significant, remains within the bounds of normal seasonal fluctuations, particularly in a post-holiday month with reduced retail activity.