Fordingbridge Crime Rate

Fordingbridge, a historic market town in the New Forest, presents a complex safety profile with an overall crime rate of 83.4 per 1,000 people. While this remains lower than the UK average of 91.7, the area has seen a recent 8.7% increase in total crime, a trend that warrants attention from residents. Despite this rise, Fordingbridge maintains a solid safety score of 80/100, indicating it is still safer than many urban centres across the country. The crime landscape is primarily characterized by interpersonal offences, though property crime also plays a significant role in local statistics. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of crime types, temporal patterns, and essential safety tips to help the Fordingbridge community stay secure in a changing environment.

Crime Breakdown in Fordingbridge

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Fordingbridge, totalling 184 incidents and making up 42.0% of the area's total crime. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 15.5% and public order offences at 10.1%. These figures suggest that a significant portion of local crime is related to social interactions and public conduct rather than professional criminal enterprises.

Property-related crime in Fordingbridge, which includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, occurs at a rate of 23.6 per 1,000 people. While this is lower than the UK average of 32.3, it represents a notable portion of local activity. Specifically, vehicle crime (4.1%) and burglary (3.9%) are areas of concern for residents. Criminal damage and arson also account for 8.2% of reports. For homeowners, this data indicates that while Fordingbridge is generally safe, property and vehicle security should remain a priority, particularly given the recent upward trend in overall crime rates in the area. Ensuring that outbuildings are secured and vehicles are not left with valuables inside is essential for local residents.

Fordingbridge is currently experiencing an upward trend in crime, with an 8.7% year-over-year increase. This rise is reflected in the monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025, which shows significant volatility. The year began with relatively low activity in December (3.2), but crime rates spiked sharply in April, reaching a yearly high of 12.6 crimes per 1,000 people.

Following this spring peak, the rate fluctuated through the summer, with notable highs in July (8.8) and August (8.4). While there was a brief dip in September (4.8), the crime rate rose again towards the end of the year, finishing at 6.7 in November. These patterns suggest that crime in Fordingbridge is not only increasing overall but is also subject to significant seasonal spikes, particularly in the spring and summer months. Residents should remain vigilant year-round, but especially during these higher-activity periods.

How To Keep Safe in Fordingbridge

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime types in Fordingbridge, making up 42.0% of reports. To stay safe in the community, consider these practical steps:

• Awareness in the Town Centre: When visiting Fordingbridge's commercial areas, stay aware of your surroundings, particularly during peak times when public order offences (10.1%) are more likely.
• Report Anti-Social Behaviour: With ASB making up 15.5% of local crime, reporting incidents to the police or local council helps identify hotspots and prevents more serious offences from developing.
• Vehicle Security: Vehicle crime is a concern, especially at night. Always park in well-lit areas, ensure all windows are closed, and never leave valuables on display in your car.
• Secure Your Home: Given the 8.7% increase in local crime, reviewing your home security—including window locks and boundary lighting—is a sensible precaution.
• Community Watch: Join or start a local Neighbourhood Watch group. Sharing information about suspicious activity is one of the best ways to protect the town as a community.

Crime timing in Fordingbridge shows distinct shifts in risk throughout the day. During the morning and afternoon (6am to 6pm), theft is the primary concern, accounting for nearly half of all incidents. This period coincides with the town's highest levels of commercial activity and footfall.

However, as the evening progresses into the night, the nature of crime changes significantly. Between 12am and 6am, the risk to property and vehicles peaks. Vehicle crime accounts for 33% of night-time incidents, while burglary makes up 24%. This data suggests that while the total volume of crime may be lower in the early hours, the likelihood of being a victim of property crime is at its highest. Residents are strongly advised to ensure their vehicles are secured and home alarms are set before midnight to protect against these statistically significant night-time threats.

Compared to its immediate neighbours, Fordingbridge (83.4 crimes per 1,000) is the most active area in its corner of the New Forest. It has a significantly higher crime rate than Sandleheath (30.9) and stands in sharp contrast to the nearby rural communities of Godshill, Frogham, and Hyde, all of which reported zero crimes in the same period. This disparity is largely due to Fordingbridge's role as a commercial and transport hub for the surrounding villages, which naturally attracts higher levels of footfall and associated criminal activity. For those seeking the quietest possible environment, the surrounding villages offer near-zero crime, while Fordingbridge provides a more typical urban experience.

With property crime in Fordingbridge occurring at a rate of 23.6 per 1,000 and an increasing overall trend, homeowners should be thinking seriously about preventative security. Traditional CCTV systems often fail because they only provide evidence after a crime has been committed. In an area where vehicle crime and burglary are present, a reactive approach is often too late to prevent the loss of property or the violation of your home.

The scOS operating system offers a proactive solution. By utilizing AI-powered multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your entire property boundary simultaneously. It can distinguish between routine activity and a genuine threat, such as someone loitering near your car or trying your door handles at 3am. When a threat is detected, scOS can autonomously respond by activating lights or audio warnings, surprising the intruder and deterring them before they can act. For Fordingbridge residents, this level of autonomous protection is the most effective way to counteract the rising local crime trend and ensure their home remains a safe haven.