Weston (Dorset) Crime Rate

Weston is a safe and well-regarded residential area on the Isle of Portland in Dorset, currently boasting a safety score of 83/100, which is notably higher than the UK average of 79/100. The area's overall crime rate is 77.9 per 1,000 residents, a figure that remains significantly below the national average of 91.7. This positions Weston as a secure community within the region. Recent data shows a positive trend, with a 9.6% year-over-year decrease in total crime incidents. This downward trajectory reflects a strengthening of local security and a reduction in criminal activity. For residents and prospective homeowners, Weston offers a secure environment where crime is relatively infrequent and actively declining, making it an attractive location for those prioritising safety.

In Weston (Dorset), crime is primarily concentrated in three categories: violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and criminal damage and arson. Violence and sexual offences account for 33.4% of all reported incidents, while anti-social behaviour follows very closely at 32.9%. Criminal damage and arson make up a further 12.3%. These figures suggest that most police activity in Weston is related to social conduct and personal safety within the community.

Property crime in Weston—including burglary, robbery, theft from the person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft—occurs at a rate of 17.9 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3, indicating that Weston is a relatively safe environment for homeowners. Within this group, criminal damage is the most prevalent issue, while burglary (1.4% of total crime) and vehicle crime (0.7%) are remarkably low. For residents, this means that while anti-social behaviour and public disturbances may be more visible, the risk of serious property theft or home intrusion is minimal. Maintaining basic security and participating in community awareness can help manage the more frequent opportunistic issues like criminal damage.

The crime trend in Weston is currently on a downward trajectory. Total reported crime has decreased by 9.6% year-over-year, a positive indicator 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, reaching a peak of 10.9 in April 2025. The spring months (March to May) generally saw higher levels of activity, with rates of 10.0, 10.9, and 7.0 respectively. However, the latter half of 2025 showed a return to lower levels, with August recording a low of 3.2 and November ending the period at 3.6. This trend suggests that while there are seasonal variations, the overall volume of crime in Weston is being successfully managed and reduced. For residents, this sustained decrease provides reassurance that the area is moving in a positive direction regarding safety and security, maintaining its status as a lower-crime Dorset neighbourhood.

How To Keep Safe in Weston (Dorset)

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crime type in Weston. While the overall volume of crime is low compared to national averages, taking proactive steps for personal safety is always recommended. When walking through the area, especially after dark, try to stick to well-lit main roads and remain aware of your surroundings. If you are using local transport or walking home from social venues, staying with a group can enhance your safety.

For general community security, 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 area. Additionally, ensuring that your home is well-lit and that any communal areas are kept tidy can help discourage anti-social behaviour. These simple measures, combined with Weston's naturally lower crime rate, contribute to a safer environment for all residents.

Analysis of crime timings in Weston reveals distinct patterns that align with the area's daily activity. Property-related crime, particularly theft, is most prevalent during the daylight hours, with 33% of theft offences occurring in the morning and 37% in the afternoon. This suggests that opportunistic crimes often coincide with periods of higher commercial activity and 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, which account for 80% of 'other' crimes in that period. Night-time (12am-6am) is the peak period for vehicle-related offences (10%) and burglary (6%), relative to other times. Understanding these cycles allows residents to be more vigilant during specific periods, such as ensuring vehicles are securely locked overnight and home security is active during the day.

When comparing Weston to its immediate neighbours on the Isle of Portland and the surrounding region, it sits in a mid-range for crime activity. It is significantly safer than Grove, which has a much higher crime rate of 99.3 per 1,000 residents. However, it is more active than Southwell, which enjoys a lower rate of 34.6 per 1,000. Weston's crime rate of 77.9 is very similar to that of Fortuneswell (71.8) and remains more secure than nearby Weymouth, which records 99.4 per 1,000. For those looking at the Portland area, Weston provides a balanced residential option, offering more amenities than the smallest villages while maintaining a higher safety score than the larger urban centres nearby.

In Weston, where the property crime rate is 17.9 per 1,000, homeowners can enjoy a high level of safety but should remain mindful of opportunistic offences. Traditional security systems often fall short because they are reactive—capturing footage of an incident only after it has taken place. For true protection, a proactive approach is necessary. 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 home. Unlike standard cameras that alert you to every minor movement, scOS learns your routines and only notifies you of genuine risks. Features like autonomous lighting and audio alerts can disrupt an intruder's plans instantly. In a community where burglary and vehicle crime are exceptionally low, installing a professional-grade system like scOS reinforces your home's security, ensuring it remains a hard target and effectively deterring potential threats before they can escalate.