Sandown Crime Rate

Sandown, a prominent seaside resort on the Isle of Wight, has a safety score of 76/100, which is slightly below the UK average of 79. The town's overall crime rate stands at 99.5 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the national average of 91.6. However, there is a very positive trend in local security, with a significant 17.2% decrease in total crime year-over-year. Property crime is also relatively low at 29.2 per 1,000, compared to the UK average of 32.2. While the higher overall rate is typical for a busy tourism hub with a significant night-time economy, the sharp downward trend suggests that Sandown is becoming a safer place for both residents and visitors. The following analysis provides a deeper look into the specific crime patterns within the town.

In Sandown, the crime data is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 39.5% of all reported incidents, totalling 479 crimes. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 15.1% and shoplifting at 9.6%. These figures reflect the town's status as a popular seaside destination, where high footfall and a busy nightlife can contribute to public order and interpersonal issues.

Property-related crime in Sandown occurs at a rate of 29.2 per 1,000 people, which is slightly lower than the UK average of 32.2. This category includes shoplifting, criminal damage and arson (7.4%), and burglary (3.3%). While the overall property crime rate is below the national average, the presence of seasonal businesses and holiday homes can make certain areas more susceptible to theft and damage. Vehicle crime is relatively low at 1.9%, but other theft accounts for 5.0% of total crime. For residents and business owners, this highlights a need for consistent vigilance, particularly during the peak tourism months when opportunistic crime is more likely to occur.

Sandown's crime trend is exceptionally positive, with a 17.2% decrease in total offences year-over-year. This significant reduction suggests that the town is becoming much safer and that local policing and community safety strategies are proving highly effective.

An analysis of the monthly data for 2025 reveals some seasonal fluctuations typical of a resort town. Crime rates were at their highest during the peak summer months, with July recording 10.5 per 1,000 and August peaking at 10.6. These months coincide with the highest volume of holidaymakers. Conversely, the town was much quieter at the end of the year, with December recording its lowest rate of 5.8 per 1,000. Other winter months like February (7.1) also showed lower activity. The overall trend, however, is one of steady decline when compared to previous years, providing residents with a strong sense of improving security and a more stable environment throughout the year.

How To Keep Safe in Sandown

The most prevalent crime type in Sandown is violence and sexual offences, accounting for 39.5% of total incidents. These are often concentrated in the town centre and along the seafront, particularly during the peak summer season and late at night.

When enjoying Sandown's nightlife or evening events, it is important to stay in well-lit areas and travel in groups where possible. Being aware of your surroundings and avoiding secluded parts of the beach or parks after dark can significantly enhance your personal safety.

For local business owners, especially those in the retail sector, shoplifting is a notable concern (9.6% of total crime). Implementing clear sightlines, good lighting, and proactive monitoring can help deter opportunistic theft during busy trading hours.

To protect your home, ensure that all entry points are securely locked, particularly if you are away for extended periods. Given the seasonal nature of the town, using proactive security like scOS can provide constant, AI-driven monitoring that detects and deters intruders at your property boundary, ensuring your home is protected even when the surrounding area is quiet.

Crime in Sandown follows a clear temporal cycle. The morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm) are dominated by theft-related offences, which account for 45% and 46% of crimes in those periods, respectively. This coincides with the town's peak commercial activity and high tourist footfall. As the evening (6pm-12am) begins, there is a shift toward anti-social behaviour and public order offences. However, the night-time period (12am-6am) presents the highest specific risk for property owners. During these hours, burglary and vehicle crime account for a combined 46% of all reported incidents. This suggests that while the town is busy and vibrant during the day, properties and vehicles are most vulnerable in the early hours of the morning when the streets are quiet. Homeowners should ensure their security measures are most robust during these high-risk night-time hours.

When compared to its immediate neighbours, Sandown (99.5 per 1,000) has a higher crime rate than the nearby resort of Shanklin (84.5) and the village of Winford (45.3). Nearby rural areas such as Alverstone Garden Village and Newchurch report 0.0 crimes per 1,000, highlighting the contrast between the busy resort town and its quiet hinterland. As the largest tourist destination in the immediate area, Sandown naturally attracts a higher volume of activity, which is reflected in its crime statistics. However, the town's rapid improvement in safety makes it an increasingly competitive and secure option within the South Wight region.

With a property crime rate of 29.2 per 1,000, residents and business owners in Sandown should be mindful of the risks associated with living in a high-traffic coastal town. Many properties in Sandown are seasonal or second homes, which can be particularly vulnerable during the quieter winter months. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or doorbell cameras, are reactive—they record the crime as it happens but often fail to prevent it.

scOS offers a proactive alternative that is ideally suited to Sandown's unique profile. Its AI-powered multi-camera intelligence monitors your property's perimeter in real-time, identifying potential threats before they reach your home or business. If an intruder is detected, scOS can autonomously trigger deterrents like lights and speakers, destroying the element of surprise and preventing the crime from escalating. For property owners in Sandown, moving from reactive recording to proactive AI-driven prevention with scOS is the most effective way to ensure their property remains secure year-round, regardless of local footfall or seasonal changes.