Brockenhurst Crime Rate

Brockenhurst is a safe and popular village in the New Forest, with a crime rate of 65.9 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6, contributing to a strong safety score of 86/100. The area is also seeing a positive trend, with a 5.3% year-over-year decrease in total crime. While the overall property crime rate of 30.1 per 1,000 is close to the national average, shoplifting is a particularly notable component of local statistics. This report provides a detailed analysis of Brockenhurst's crime data, including monthly trends and time-of-day insights, to help residents and business owners understand and manage local safety risks effectively.

Crime Breakdown in Brockenhurst

Brockenhurst experiences a crime profile where violence and sexual offences are the most common, accounting for 75 incidents or 32.3% of the total. Shoplifting is the second most frequent crime at 21.1%, followed by public order offences at 13.4%. When examining property-related crime as a whole—including burglary, vehicle crime, shoplifting, and various thefts—the rate in Brockenhurst is 30.1 per 1,000 people. This is very close to the UK average of 32.2. Shoplifting is a particularly significant factor, making up over a fifth of all recorded crime, which reflects the village's active retail and tourism sector. Burglary and vehicle crime account for 4.3% and 4.7% of incidents respectively. For residents and local business owners, this means that while the village is generally safe, property and retail security are important considerations.

Crime Trends in Brockenhurst

The crime trend in Brockenhurst is currently on a positive downward trajectory, with a 5.3% decrease in total offences year-over-year. Monthly data for 2025 reveals a fluctuating but generally manageable crime rate. The year started with a rate of 6.0 per 1,000 in January and saw a significant peak in March at 10.5. However, this was followed by a general decline throughout the summer and autumn, with the rate reaching a low of 2.0 in October. The year ended with a slight rise to 3.7 in December. This overall reduction is an encouraging sign for the area, suggesting that local safety measures and community awareness are effectively keeping crime levels low. For residents, this trend reinforces Brockenhurst's reputation as a safe and improving place to live, despite the seasonal spikes often associated with tourism.

How To Keep Safe in Brockenhurst

The most commonly reported crime in Brockenhurst is violence and sexual offences, accounting for over 32% of the total. To stay safe, residents and visitors should remain aware of their surroundings, particularly in busier areas or when walking alone after dark. Shoplifting is also a significant issue, making up over 21% of local crime; business owners should consider integrated security systems and staff training to mitigate this risk. For residents, ensuring that your home is well-lit and that any gates or outbuildings are secure can act as a powerful deterrent against opportunistic theft. Staying connected with neighbours and participating in local community safety groups can also help maintain the village's security. Finally, always report suspicious activity to the police, as local intelligence is vital for keeping crime rates on their current downward trend.

Crime timing in Brockenhurst shows distinct trends related to the village's activity. During the morning and afternoon, theft and shoplifting are the most common, accounting for 40% and 44% of crimes respectively. This corresponds with the opening hours of the village's numerous shops and cafes. As evening falls, the 'Other' crime category becomes more prominent, making up 50% of incidents. Night-time (12am - 6am) sees a sharp shift in risk toward vehicles, with vehicle crime reaching its peak at 42% of the period's total. Burglary is also a factor, accounting for 19% of night-time incidents. These figures suggest that while the village is active and safe during the day, vehicles and properties are most vulnerable during the late-night hours. Residents should ensure that vehicles are securely parked and home security is active overnight to mitigate these specific risks.

Brockenhurst is a key hub in the New Forest and compares well with its neighbours. Its crime rate of 65.9 per 1,000 is slightly higher than nearby Sway at 57.3. In contrast, the tiny neighbouring hamlets of Sandy Down, Pilley, and Mount Pleasant recorded no crimes during the same period, which is typical for very sparsely populated rural areas. Brockenhurst's higher rate reflects its status as a major tourist destination and local commercial centre with a railway station and numerous shops. Despite this activity, it remains a very safe location compared to larger UK towns and maintains an overall downward trend in crime.

With a property crime rate of 30.1 per 1,000 people, Brockenhurst residents and business owners should be mindful of security. Shoplifting and theft are notable factors in the local data, and while burglary is less frequent, it remains a concern. Traditional security systems are often reactive—they record footage of a crime after it has occurred. For those who want to prevent crime, a proactive system like scOS is the superior choice. scOS uses AI to monitor your property boundaries in real-time, identifying potential threats before they can attempt a break-in. By deploying autonomous responses, such as activating lights or speakers, scOS removes the element of surprise that offenders rely on. In a village like Brockenhurst, where retail crime is a significant part of the profile, a sophisticated system like scOS ensures that your property remains a difficult target, providing real-time prevention rather than just evidence after the fact.