Milford on Sea Crime Rate

Milford on Sea is an exceptionally safe coastal settlement in the New Forest, with an overall crime rate of just 29.1 per 1,000 residents. This rate is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7, earning the village an elite safety score of 93/100. The area is also seeing a positive trend, with total crime decreasing by 11.3% year-over-year. While Milford on Sea is one of the most secure locations in Hampshire, its crime profile shows a notable concentration in violence and sexual offences and burglary. Property crime remains low at 11.5 per 1,000, but residents are encouraged to stay informed about local patterns. This report provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, trends, and safety advice tailored to this peaceful community.

Crime Breakdown in Milford on Sea

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Milford on Sea, accounting for 58 reported incidents, or 41.1% of the total crime. This is followed by 'other theft' at 13.5% and burglary at 12.8%. While violence is the top category, the overall numbers are very low for a settlement of this size, reflecting the area's generally peaceful nature.

Property-related crime—which includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage—occurs at a rate of 11.5 per 1,000 people in Milford on Sea. This is exceptionally low, representing about one-third of the UK average for property offences. Burglary, however, is a notable component of the local crime profile, accounting for 12.8% of all incidents. This suggests that while crime is rare, when it does occur, it is often focused on residential property. Vehicle crime is minimal, making up just 2.1% of activity. For residents, this data indicates that Milford on Sea is one of the safest coastal villages in the region, though the relatively high proportion of burglary means that home security should not be overlooked by property owners.

Milford on Sea is currently seeing a significant downward trend in crime, with an -11.3% year-over-year decrease. This is an excellent indicator of the village's high level of safety. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that crime rates remained consistently low throughout the year. The highest peaks were seen in January, July, and September, but even then, the rate only reached 3.3 crimes per 1,000 people.

The lowest point was recorded in February, with a rate of just 1.0 per 1,000. The latter part of the year has shown a steady decline, from 3.1 in September down to 1.7 in November. This consistent low-volume environment, combined with a double-digit percentage decrease, confirms that Milford on Sea is not only safe but is continuing to improve, providing a very secure environment for its residents.

How To Keep Safe in Milford on Sea

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Milford on Sea, accounting for 41.1% of all incidents. While the overall volume is low, personal safety remains important.

• Stay Aware at Night: When walking near the coast or through the village after dark, stay in well-lit areas and let someone know your plans. Awareness is your best defence.
• Secure Your Property: Burglary is the third most common crime (12.8%). Ensure all windows and doors are locked, even when you are at home, and consider installing motion-activated lighting around your property.
• Report Suspicious Activity: 'Other theft' is also a notable category (13.5%). If you see someone loitering near properties or vehicles, report it to the local non-emergency line to help prevent opportunistic theft.
• Join Local Groups: Engaging with the Milford on Sea community through local social media or watch groups can keep you informed about any recent trends or suspicious individuals in the area.
• Vehicle Vigilance: While vehicle crime is low (2.1%), it is still wise to remove all valuables from your car and ensure it is parked in a secure, visible location.

Crime timing in Milford on Sea shows a very specific pattern related to property risk. During the daylight hours (6am to 6pm), theft is the most frequent concern, accounting for over 50% of all reported incidents. This is typical for a village with a busy centre and high visitor numbers during the day.

However, the risk profile changes dramatically after dark. Between 6pm and 6am, burglary becomes much more prominent. In the early morning hours (12am-6am), burglary accounts for 47% of all crimes, which is significantly higher than its daytime proportion. This suggests that property-focused criminals in Milford on Sea are highly active during the night when the village is quiet. Residents should ensure that their home security systems are active and that all entry points are fully secured before going to bed, as the statistical risk to property is at its highest during these hours.

In the local context, Milford on Sea (29.1 crimes per 1,000) is one of the safest urban settlements in the southern New Forest. It is safer than the nearby area of Ashley, which has a rate of 41.3. However, it experiences slightly more activity than its immediate neighbour Everton, which recorded a very low rate of 18.5. The tiny rural hamlets of Keyhaven and Hordle reported zero crimes, highlighting the extreme safety of the surrounding countryside. Milford on Sea offers a perfect balance for those seeking a vibrant coastal community with a level of safety that far exceeds national and regional averages.

With a property crime rate of 11.5 per 1,000 in Milford on Sea, the focus for homeowners should be on maintaining the village's high safety standards through proactive protection. While the overall volume of crime is low, burglary is the third most common crime type, making up nearly 13% of all incidents. Traditional security systems, like standard CCTV, often only provide footage of a burglary after it has occurred, which can be distressing and often fails to lead to the recovery of stolen goods.

The scOS operating system takes a different approach by focusing on prevention. Using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property's perimeter in real-time. It can distinguish between a neighbour's cat and a potential intruder loitering near your back door. 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 residents of Milford on Sea, where burglary is the primary property concern, the ability to stop a threat at the boundary is the most effective way to ensure their home remains secure and their peace of mind is preserved.