Weymouth Crime Rate

Weymouth currently records an overall crime rate of 99.4 per 1,000 people, which is slightly higher than the UK national average of 91.7. Despite this, the town maintains a safety score of 78/100, which is very close to the UK average of 79, indicating a generally secure environment for residents and visitors. The area is seeing a positive shift in safety, with the crime trend showing a significant 8.5% decrease year-over-year. As a major seaside resort, Weymouth experiences seasonal fluctuations in activity, but the long-term data points toward a safer community. The following report provides a detailed analysis of crime statistics from December 2024 to November 2025 to help you understand the local safety landscape.

Crime Breakdown in Weymouth

Weymouth's crime data highlights three primary areas of concern for the local community. Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported, totalling 1,933 incidents and making up 36.2% of all crime. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue, with 1,519 reports (28.5%), followed by shoplifting at 420 incidents (7.9%). These figures reflect the challenges often faced by popular seaside resorts, where high seasonal footfall can influence crime patterns.

Property crime in Weymouth accounts for a rate of 26.1 per 1,000 people. This combined category includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage. Shoplifting and 'other theft' (259 incidents) are the most significant contributors to this total. Criminal damage and arson also remain a factor, with 410 recorded cases. While burglary rates are relatively low at 2.2 per 1,000 (117 incidents), the impact on victims remains high. For residents, the data suggests that while serious property crime is infrequent, opportunistic theft and vandalism are the most likely threats. Homeowners and business operators should prioritise visible deterrents to protect their premises from these types of offences.

Crime Trends in Weymouth

The crime trend in Weymouth is currently on a positive downward trajectory, with an 8.5% decrease in total offences over the last year. This significant reduction suggests that local policing and community safety efforts are having a measurable impact. A detailed look at the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 reveals a clear seasonal pattern.

The year began with stable rates of 7.3 per 1,000 through the winter months. As spring arrived, the rate began to climb, reaching 9.2 in May. The peak occurred in July 2025, with a crime rate of 10.9 per 1,000, which aligns with the height of the summer tourist season. Following this peak, the rate steadily declined, reaching its lowest point of 6.9 in November. For residents, this trend indicates that while summer remains a busier period for local authorities, the overall safety of the town is improving, and the off-season months are becoming increasingly secure.

How To Keep Safe in Weymouth

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Weymouth, accounting for 36.2% of all reports. While these incidents are often concentrated in the town centre and nightlife areas, especially during the summer, general awareness is vital for everyone.

To stay safe, particularly during the busy tourist season, try to stay in well-lit areas and avoid walking alone late at night. If you are enjoying the town's nightlife, plan your journey home in advance and stay with friends. Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas like the beach or the town centre, as high footfall can attract opportunistic thieves. For residents, keeping windows and doors locked, even when you are at home, is a simple but effective deterrent. Additionally, staying informed through local community groups or police updates can help you avoid areas with reported issues. Trusting your instincts is always the best policy; if a situation feels wrong, leave the area and head towards a public, well-populated space.

Crime Patterns in Weymouth

In Weymouth, the timing of criminal activity follows a distinct pattern linked to the town's commercial and social cycles. Morning and afternoon hours see a high concentration of theft and shoplifting, particularly between 12pm and 6pm, when retail activity is at its peak. This period accounts for 46% of all theft-related offences.

As evening approaches, the focus shifts toward anti-social behaviour and public order offences, which make up 63% of the 'other' crime category between 6pm and 12am. The most critical time for property owners is between 12am and 6am. During these night-time hours, while overall crime volume may be lower, the risk of burglary and vehicle crime reaches its highest point, with vehicle crime accounting for 21% of reports in this period. This suggests that criminals take advantage of the cover of darkness and reduced street activity to target unattended properties and cars. Residents are advised to ensure all security measures are fully active before retiring for the night.

Weymouth serves as the primary urban and commercial hub for its part of Dorset, which is reflected in its crime rate of 99.4 per 1,000. This is higher than its smaller, more rural neighbours such as Chickerell, which has a rate of 50.4, and the extremely quiet villages of Osmington and Broadmayne, both of which report rates of 0.0. Interestingly, Weymouth also compares to Fortuneswell on the Isle of Portland, which has a rate of 71.8. For those considering the region, Weymouth offers the amenities of a larger town but with the expected higher crime volume compared to the very low-risk surrounding villages, though its overall safety score remains robust for its size.

Protecting Your Property in Weymouth

With a property crime rate of 26.1 per 1,000 people, Weymouth residents face a moderate risk of theft and burglary. In a seaside town where seasonal visitor numbers can fluctuate wildly, traditional security measures like standard CCTV often fall short. Most traditional systems only record footage of a crime, which is of little comfort once your property has been breached.

To effectively protect your home, a proactive approach is essential. scOS is an AI-powered security operating system that detects threats at your property boundary before a break-in occurs. By using multi-camera intelligence, it can identify suspicious patterns and respond autonomously—activating lights or sound to deter intruders. This element of surprise is often enough to make a burglar move on within seconds. For Weymouth homeowners, this means moving from being a victim with evidence to being a homeowner who prevented the crime entirely. Visible, intelligent security signals that your property is not an easy target, which is the most effective way to maintain your safety.