Wareham Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Wareham, Dorset, reveal a crime rate of 52.4 incidents per 1,000 residents over the period from January 2025 to December 2025. This figure is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000 residents, indicating a generally safer environment compared to the national picture. However, a closer examination of the specific crime types reveals areas of concern. While the overall trend shows a decrease in crime, understanding the nuances of these figures is crucial for informed decision-making and community safety initiatives.

The crime landscape in Wareham reveals a concerning prevalence of violence and sexual offences, accounting for nearly 30% of reported incidents. These are followed by anti-social behaviour, which represents a significant portion of recorded crimes, and criminal damage and arson. Shoplifting and other forms of theft also contribute to the overall crime statistics, alongside instances of public order offences and vehicle crime. While burglary rates are present, they represent a smaller proportion of overall crime compared to the more frequent occurrences of violence, anti-social behaviour, and criminal damage. The distribution of these crimes highlights specific areas within Wareham that may warrant further investigation and targeted preventative measures.

Crime in Wareham has been steadily decreasing over the past year, demonstrating a reduction of -30.9% year-on-year. Monthly data from January 2025 to December 2025 consistently reflects this downward trend, with the lowest monthly rate recorded in February 2025 (3.2 per 1,000) and a gradual decrease observed throughout the remainder of the year. While there were fluctuations, particularly during April (5.1 per 1,000) and July (6.6 per 1,000), the overall trajectory indicates a positive shift towards improved safety within the community.

How To Keep Safe in Wareham

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it’s advisable to remain vigilant in public spaces, particularly during the evening. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas. With anti-social behaviour also being a significant concern, reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities is crucial. Secure your vehicles properly to minimise the risk of vehicle crime. Finally, ensure your home is well-lit and consider installing an alarm system to deter potential burglars.

Crime patterns in Wareham demonstrate a varied distribution throughout the day. Burglaries are most likely to occur during the afternoon (12pm-6pm) and night (12am-6am), with a slightly higher risk during the night shift. Vehicle crime is most prevalent during the evening (6pm-12am) and overnight (12am-6am). Theft, including theft from the person, sees a concentration during the afternoon, aligning with commercial hours. Violence and sexual offences are more common during the evening hours, particularly between 6pm and 12am, reflecting potential links to social activities and nightlife.

Wareham's crime rate places it in a varied context when compared to surrounding areas. Ridge boasts a remarkably low crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 residents, while Stoborough reports a rate of 41.6 per 1,000. Sandford (Dorset) exhibits a higher rate at 61.8 per 1,000, indicating a potentially more challenging environment. These comparisons highlight the localised nature of crime and underscore the importance of understanding the specific factors contributing to crime rates in each area.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide recordings after a burglary has occurred, offering little in the way of prevention. If you're concerned about property protection in Wareham, consider a proactive approach. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, detects potential threats at the property boundary before they escalate. Its multi-camera intelligence watches all cameras simultaneously, instantly verifying vehicle registrations against the DVLA database, and learns your family’s routines to filter out normal activity. The visible presence of scOS, with its lights and audible warnings, acts as a powerful deterrent. Most burglars make a decision within 60 seconds; the element of surprise and the perception of advanced security provided by scOS can be enough to make them move on.