Wareham Crime Rate

Wareham is a safe and well-established market town in Dorset, currently boasting a safety score of 89/100, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 79/100. The town's overall crime rate is 52.1 per 1,000 residents, a figure that is remarkably lower than the national average of 91.7. This positioning places Wareham among the safer urban settlements in the region. Recent data indicates a very positive trajectory for the area, with a substantial 34.1% year-over-year decrease in total crime incidents. This downward trend suggests a strengthening of local security and community safety. For residents and prospective homeowners, these statistics represent a secure environment where criminal activity is relatively infrequent and actively declining.

In Wareham, the criminal landscape is primarily defined by three main categories: violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and criminal damage and arson. Violence and sexual offences represent the largest portion of reported incidents, accounting for 30.4% of all crime with 93 recorded cases. Anti-social behaviour follows closely, making up 24.8% of the total, while criminal damage and arson constitute 11.4%. These figures highlight that personal safety and community order are the most prevalent concerns for local residents.

Property-related crime in Wareham—which encompasses burglary, robbery, theft from the person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft—occurs at a rate of 18.9 per 1,000 people. This is notably lower than the UK average of 32.3, suggesting a relatively secure environment for homeowners. Within this category, criminal damage and shoplifting are the most frequent issues. For residents, this means that while the overall risk of theft or break-ins is low, maintaining basic security measures and participating in community watch schemes can further mitigate the risk of opportunistic property crime.

The crime trend in Wareham is currently on a significant downward trajectory. Total reported crime has decreased by 34.1% year-over-year, a substantial improvement that reflects a safer environment for the local community. Looking at the monthly data from late 2024 through 2025, the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated between a low of 2.7 in March and a peak of 6.6 in July. The summer months (June to August) generally saw higher levels of activity, which is common in areas with seasonal tourism or increased outdoor social interaction. However, the figures for the latter part of 2025 show a return to lower levels, with October and November recording rates of 3.7 and 4.1 respectively. This trend suggests that while there are seasonal spikes, the overall volume of crime in Wareham is being successfully managed and reduced. For residents, this sustained decrease provides reassurance that the town is moving in a positive direction regarding safety and security.

How To Keep Safe in Wareham

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crime type in Wareham. While the overall numbers are low compared to national averages, taking proactive steps for personal safety is always recommended. When walking alone, especially after dark, stay in well-lit areas and remain aware of your surroundings. If you are using local transport or walking home from the town centre, try to stick to main routes where there is more public activity.

For general community safety, residents are encouraged to report any suspicious behaviour or anti-social activity to the local authorities promptly. Engaging with local neighbourhood watch schemes can provide valuable updates on safety in your specific street. Finally, consider carrying a personal safety alarm and ensuring your mobile phone is easily accessible. These simple measures, combined with Wareham's naturally low crime rate, help maintain a secure environment for everyone in the community.

Analysis of crime timings in Wareham reveals distinct patterns tied to the town's daily rhythm. Property crime, specifically theft, is most prevalent during the daylight hours, with 39% of theft offences occurring in the morning and 42% in the afternoon. This suggests that opportunistic crimes often coincide with peak commercial activity and times when residents may be away from their homes. In contrast, evening and night-time periods see a shift in the type of activity. Evening hours (6pm-12am) are more frequently associated with anti-social behaviour and public order issues, making up 58% of 'other' crimes in that period. Night-time (12am-6am) is the peak period for vehicle-related offences, with 32% of vehicle crimes occurring during these quiet hours. Burglary remains relatively consistent across all time periods but sees a slight peak during the night (17%) and afternoon (16%). Understanding these cycles allows residents to be more vigilant during specific times, such as securing vehicles overnight and ensuring home security is active during the working day.

When examining the local landscape, Wareham's crime rate of 52.1 per 1,000 people provides a useful benchmark for the surrounding area. It is notably safer than Sandford, which records a higher rate of 64.9 per 1,000. However, the immediate southern neighbour, Stoborough, is even quieter with a rate of 38.9. Smaller hamlets such as Ridge and Holton Heath reported no crimes during this period, reflecting their very low population density. For those considering the Purbeck region, Wareham serves as a safe central hub. While it experiences more activity than its smallest rural neighbours, it remains significantly more secure than many larger Dorset towns and the national average, offering a high quality of life with low criminal interference.

In an area like Wareham, where the property crime rate is 18.9 per 1,000, homeowners have a strong foundation of safety but should remain vigilant against opportunistic theft. Traditional security systems often fail because they are reactive, providing footage of a crime only after it has occurred. For true protection, a proactive approach is required. scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system designed to prevent crime before it happens. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property's boundaries 24/7, identifying potential threats before they reach your door. Unlike standard cameras that alert you to every passing cat or delivery, scOS learns your family's routines and only notifies you of real risks. Features like autonomous lighting activation and speaker engagement can destroy the element of surprise, causing intruders to move on immediately. In a community where burglary and vehicle crime are low but present, installing a professional-grade system like scOS signals that your property is a hard target, effectively deterring crime rather than just recording it.