Weymouth Crime Rate

Weymouth's crime profile is defined by an unusually high rate of anti-social behaviour, 92% above the UK average. Despite a 6.5% overall decline in crime year-on-year, the town's crime rate of 99.5 per 1,000 residents remains 9.1% higher than the UK average. This contrast is most striking in areas like the Harbour, where shoplifting and anti-social behaviour are disproportionately high compared to the UK average.

Weymouth is a coastal town in Dorset, known for its seaside resorts, historic quays, and vibrant tourism industry. Its mix of residential areas, retail centres, and tourist attractions likely influences crime patterns, with shoplifting linked to high-traffic retail zones and anti-social behaviour tied to nightlife and seasonal visitor influxes.

The most surprising finding is the 92% above UK average rate for anti-social behaviour, which is far higher than the national average. This may be driven by Weymouth's tourist-centric environment, where transient populations and seasonal crowds could contribute to disruptions. Shoplifting, while only 1% above UK levels, is still notable in a town with bustling retail areas like the Harbour area. Violence and sexual offences, at 13% above the UK average, likely reflect the town's nightlife and summer tourism season. Notably, burglary is 39% below the UK average, possibly due to higher awareness of home security in a coastal town with fewer high-density housing blocks.

Crime in Weymouth decreased by 6.5% year-on-year, with the most dramatic drop in vehicle crime (-41.1% YoY). This decline may be linked to seasonal factors, such as reduced tourism in winter and improved policing during summer months. The monthly trend peaked in July (10.9 per 1,000/month) and reached its lowest in January (6.8 per 1,000/month), aligning with tourism cycles and weather patterns. Public order crimes also fell by 20.8% YoY, likely due to targeted enforcement during peak summer periods.

How To Keep Safe in Weymouth

Avoid walking alone in the Harbour area after dark, where anti-social behaviour is 92% above the UK average. Use well-lit routes when returning home from shopping, as shoplifting rates are 1% above the UK average. Report suspicious behaviour promptly, especially during the evening peak for vehicle crime. Install motion-sensor lighting to deter opportunistic theft and consider joining local Neighbourhood Watch schemes for community support.

Crime in Weymouth peaks in the evening and night, with vehicle crime surging between midnight and 6am, likely due to unattended cars in residential areas. Theft from the person is most common in the afternoon, aligning with shopping hours and tourist activity. Burglary spikes at night, possibly linked to isolated homes near the coast. The morning sees the lowest activity, with only 8% of burglaries occurring during this time, suggesting a lower risk for residents during daylight hours.

Weymouth's crime rate of 99.5 per 1,000 is significantly higher than Chickerell (47.1 per 1,000) and Fortuneswell (72.5 per 1,000). Chickerell's much lower crime rate likely reflects its rural character and smaller population, while Fortuneswell's rate is closer to Weymouth's but still lower, possibly due to less concentrated retail and tourism activity.

For Weymouth residents, scOS's proactive boundary detection can help deter burglars, who are 39% below the UK average but still a concern in coastal homes. Its vehicle registration verification feature is particularly relevant given the 63% drop in vehicle crime YoY, offering an added layer of protection against car-related theft. The system's ability to distinguish between household members and potential intruders reduces false alarms, a critical feature for areas with high anti-social behaviour rates.