Brockenhurst Crime Rate

Brockenhurst, a vibrant village in the heart of the New Forest, is a safe urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 65.3 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7, earning the area an excellent safety score of 86/100. The village is currently experiencing a positive trend, with total crime decreasing by 7.6% year-over-year. Brockenhurst's crime profile is defined by a mix of interpersonal offences and property-related issues, with property crime rates sitting at 30.4 per 1,000. Shoplifting is also a notable factor in the local statistics. This report provides a detailed breakdown of local crime types, monthly trends, and practical safety advice to help Brockenhurst residents and business owners maintain their secure community environment.

Crime Breakdown in Brockenhurst

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Brockenhurst, with 74 incidents accounting for 32.2% of total crime. This is followed by shoplifting at 20.9% and public order offences at 12.6%. The high proportion of shoplifting is notable for a village of this size and likely reflects the town's busy commercial centre and tourism.

Property-related crime in Brockenhurst—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and shoplifting—occurs at a rate of 30.4 per 1,000 people. This is close to the UK average of 32.3, which is higher than many other New Forest villages. Burglary accounts for 5.7% of all crime, with 13 incidents reported in the last year. Vehicle crime is also a factor, making up 3.9% of local activity. For residents, the data suggests that while Brockenhurst is generally safe, property security and shoplifting are more significant issues than in neighbouring rural areas. Maintaining visible deterrents and securing both residential and commercial properties is recommended to mitigate these risks.

Brockenhurst is currently seeing a downward trend in crime, with a -7.6% year-over-year change. This is a positive indicator for the village's safety. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that crime rates fluctuated throughout the year, with some notable peaks. The highest peak was seen in March (10.5), followed by April (8.8) and September (7.7).

The lowest points were recorded in December (3.1), October (2.0), and November (2.3). Following a spring peak, the crime rate stabilised and finished the year on a downward trend. This consistent low-volume environment, combined with a percentage decrease, confirms that Brockenhurst is not only a safe area but is maintaining its reputation as a secure and peaceful residential community. Business owners and residents alike should remain vigilant but can be encouraged by the overall downward trend.

How To Keep Safe in Brockenhurst

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Brockenhurst, accounting for 32.2% of all incidents. While the overall volume is moderate, staying safe remains a priority.

• Awareness in Public: When walking through the village or using the train station, especially after dark, stay aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit paths.
• Secure Your Business: Shoplifting (20.9%) is a notable concern. Business owners should consider high-quality security systems and staff training to mitigate this risk.
• Secure Your Home: Burglary (5.7%) is a factor. Ensure your home has robust window and door locks and consider motion-activated lighting to deter opportunistic thieves.
• Vehicle Vigilance: Vehicle crime makes up 3.9% of local activity, primarily at night. Always remove valuables from your car and park in a secure, well-lit location if possible.
• Report Anti-Social Behaviour: Reporting low-level disruption can help prevent it from escalating into more serious public order offences or personal confrontations. Joining a local watch scheme ensures that suspicious activity is shared and reported quickly.

Crime timing in Brockenhurst reveals distinct shifts in risk throughout the 24-hour cycle. During the morning and afternoon (6am to 6pm), theft is the primary concern, accounting for up to 46% of all reported incidents. This typically aligns with times when the village centre is most active with shoppers and tourists.

As night falls, the profile of crime changes significantly. Between 12am and 6am, the risk to property and vehicles peaks. Vehicle crime accounts for 35% of night-time incidents, while burglary makes up 25%. This means property-related offences account for 60% of all activity during these hours. This suggests that while overall crime volume is lower during the night, the likelihood of being a victim of property crime is at its highest proportional peak. Residents are strongly advised to ensure their homes and vehicles are fully secured before retiring for the evening to protect against these statistically significant night-time threats.

In the local context, Brockenhurst (65.3 crimes per 1,000) is a safe residential choice, though it sees more activity than some of its neighbours. It has a higher crime rate than nearby Sway at 57.3 and significantly more activity than the zero-crime rural hamlets of Sandy Down, Pilley, and Mount Pleasant. This is largely due to Brockenhurst's role as a major transport and tourism hub for the New Forest, which naturally attracts higher levels of footfall and associated criminal activity. These comparisons highlight Brockenhurst as a secure village that balances its role as a central hub with a high level of safety.

With a property crime rate of 30.4 per 1,000 in Brockenhurst, residents and business owners should focus on maintaining their security through proactive measures. While the volume of crime is lower than the national average, shoplifting and burglary are notable concerns, and vehicle crime also persists. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or doorbell cameras, are reactive; they record a crime as it happens, which often does little to prevent the initial intrusion or the theft of goods.

The scOS operating system offers a proactive alternative by using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's perimeter in real-time. It can distinguish between a routine visitor and someone loitering near your shop or side gate at 3am. If a threat is detected, scOS can autonomously trigger a response—such as activating floodlights or a warning speaker—to deter the criminal before they even attempt a break-in. For Brockenhurst residents and businesses, where property crime is concentrated during the night and afternoon, the ability to stop a threat at the boundary is the most effective way to ensure their property remains as safe as the statistics suggest.