Marchwood Crime Rate

Marchwood is a notably safe urban settlement within the New Forest, characterised by a crime rate of 46.8 per 1,000 people. This figure is substantially lower than the UK average of 91.6, contributing to an impressive safety score of 87/100. Recent data indicates a positive trend for the area, with total crime decreasing by 10.7% year-over-year. This downward trajectory, combined with a property crime rate of just 11.8 per 1,000, suggests a secure environment for residents and businesses alike. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of local crime types, monthly trends, and specific time-based patterns to help the community understand and manage local safety risks effectively.

Crime Breakdown in Marchwood

Crime in Marchwood is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for 144 incidents, representing 52.5% of all recorded crime. This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 11.3% and criminal damage and arson at 8.0%. For residents, understanding the property crime landscape is also vital. The overall property crime rate—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, and various forms of theft—stands at 11.8 per 1,000 people. While this is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.2, it remains a point of focus for local security. Burglary specifically accounts for 5.1% of total crime, while vehicle crime represents 4.4%. These figures suggest that while Marchwood is statistically very safe, homeowners should remain vigilant regarding opportunistic property offences.

Crime Trends in Marchwood

The crime trend in Marchwood is currently on a downward trajectory, with a notable 10.7% decrease in total offences compared to the previous year. Monthly data from 2025 illustrates this decline clearly. The year began with a crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000 in January, which gradually subsided throughout the spring and summer. A significant low point was reached in November, where the rate dropped to just 1.9 per 1,000 people. Although there was a slight seasonal uptick to 3.9 in December, the overall pattern remains encouraging. This sustained reduction suggests that local safety initiatives and community vigilance are proving effective. For residents, this trend means a lower likelihood of encountering crime compared to previous years, though the slight fluctuations in late summer and winter serve as a reminder to remain consistent with personal and home security.

How To Keep Safe in Marchwood

The most prevalent crime type in Marchwood is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for over half of all recorded incidents. To enhance your personal safety in the area, consider the following practical steps. Firstly, maintain awareness of your surroundings when walking alone, particularly during the evening, and stick to well-lit, familiar routes. Secondly, utilise local community groups and social media platforms to stay informed about any specific local concerns or reported incidents. Thirdly, ensure your home is well-lit externally; motion-activated lighting can be a powerful deterrent against various types of opportunistic crime. Finally, always report any suspicious behaviour to the local authorities, as community intelligence is vital in maintaining the area's downward crime trend. Focus on proactive awareness to ensure Marchwood remains a safe environment for everyone.

Analysis of crime timing in Marchwood reveals distinct patterns throughout the day. Morning and afternoon periods are most associated with theft-related offences, with 44% and 48% of these crimes occurring during these windows respectively. This likely coincides with the operational hours of local businesses and increased footfall. As the day transitions into the evening, the 'Other' crime category becomes more prominent, accounting for 48% of incidents. Night-time hours (12am - 6am) present a different risk profile, with vehicle crime reaching its peak at 33% of the period's total. Burglary remains relatively consistent across the afternoon, evening, and night, suggesting that offenders do not strongly prefer a specific time for residential break-ins. Understanding these cycles allows residents to be more mindful of vehicle security overnight and property security during the quieter afternoon hours.

When comparing Marchwood to its neighbours, it sits comfortably as one of the safer options in the region. Its crime rate of 46.8 per 1,000 residents is lower than the nearby Hythe and Dibden Purlieu, which recorded 59.0 crimes per 1,000. It is also significantly more secure than Totton (82.5) and the major urban hub of Southampton, where the rate is much higher at 132.9. Only the smaller settlement of Ashurst presents a lower crime rate at 36.9. For those looking for a balance between urban convenience and rural safety, Marchwood's statistics compare very favourably to the wider regional context.

With a property crime rate of 11.8 per 1,000 people, Marchwood residents enjoy a high level of security, yet the presence of burglary and vehicle crime necessitates a thoughtful approach to home protection. Traditional security measures often fall short because they are reactive; a standard CCTV camera or doorbell app might record a crime, but it does little to stop it. For true peace of mind, proactive protection is essential. The scOS system represents this next generation of security, using AI to monitor your property boundaries in real-time. Unlike DIY systems that notify you after a break-in has occurred, scOS is designed to prevent the incident entirely. By identifying unusual patterns and potential threats before they reach your door, and deploying autonomous responses like light activation, it destroys the element of surprise. In a safe area like Marchwood, the goal of security should be to ensure your home remains an unattractive target, making potential intruders move on before they even attempt an entry.