Lyndhurst Crime Rate

Lyndhurst is a safe and iconic village in the New Forest, with a crime rate of 54.2 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6, contributing to a strong safety score of 87/100. The area is also seeing a positive trend, with an 11.9% year-over-year decrease in total crime. While the overall property crime rate of 18.3 per 1,000 is well below the national average, vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour are notable components of local statistics. This report provides a detailed analysis of Lyndhurst'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 Lyndhurst

Lyndhurst's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 66 incidents or 40.5% of the total recorded crime. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 12.3%, followed by 'other theft' and vehicle crime, both at 7.4%. When examining property-related crime as a whole—including burglary, vehicle crime, shoplifting, and various thefts—the rate in Lyndhurst is 18.3 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.2. Vehicle crime is a notable factor here, making up 7.4% of total crime, which is higher than in some neighbouring villages. Burglary accounts for 4.9% of incidents. For residents and local business owners, this means that while the village is generally safe, vehicle security and property protection remain important considerations.

Crime Trends in Lyndhurst

The crime trend in Lyndhurst is currently on a positive downward trajectory, with an 11.9% 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 3.7 per 1,000 in January and saw its lowest point in March at 2.7. There was a slight peak in July at 7.3, which is common for a major tourist hub during the summer months. However, the rate subsided again towards the end of the year, finishing at 3.0 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 Lyndhurst's reputation as a safe and improving place to live, despite the seasonal variations in activity.

How To Keep Safe in Lyndhurst

The most commonly reported crime in Lyndhurst is violence and sexual offences, accounting for over 40% 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. Anti-social behaviour is also a significant issue, making up over 12% of local crime; participating in local community safety groups can help maintain the village's security. For vehicle owners, ensuring that your car is parked in a well-lit area and that no valuables are left inside is essential, as vehicle crime accounts for over 7% of total incidents. For residents, ensuring that your home is well-secured can act as a powerful deterrent against opportunistic theft. 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 Lyndhurst shows distinct trends related to the village's activity. During the morning and afternoon, theft-related offences are the most common, accounting for 44% and 47% of crimes respectively. This corresponds with the opening hours of the village's numerous shops and the high volume of visitors. As evening falls, the 'Other' crime category becomes more prominent, making up 43% of incidents. Night-time (12am - 6am) sees a sharp shift in risk toward vehicles, with vehicle crime reaching its peak at 41% of the period's total. Burglary is also a factor, accounting for 20% 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.

Lyndhurst is the central hub of the New Forest and compares well with its neighbours. Its crime rate of 54.2 per 1,000 is higher than nearby Woodlands (43.2) and Ashurst (36.9). In contrast, the very small neighbouring hamlets of Minstead and Cadnam recorded no crimes during the same period, which is typical for very sparsely populated rural areas. Lyndhurst's higher rate reflects its status as a major tourist destination and administrative centre with a high volume of through-traffic 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 18.3 per 1,000 people, Lyndhurst residents and business owners should be mindful of security. Vehicle crime 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 Lyndhurst, where vehicle 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.