Milford on Sea Crime Rate

Milford on Sea is a highly secure coastal settlement, boasting a crime rate of 29.1 per 1,000 residents. This is remarkably lower than the UK average of 91.6, earning the area an impressive safety score of 93/100. The local safety environment is further improving, with a 14.5% year-over-year decrease in total recorded crime. While property crime is low at 11.9 per 1,000, burglary remains one of the top three most frequent offences in the area. This detailed report explores the specific crime types, trends, and time-based patterns in Milford on Sea to provide residents with the knowledge needed to maintain their high standard of safety and protect their homes effectively.

Crime Breakdown in Milford on Sea

Milford on Sea is a very safe coastal village where violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 58 incidents or 41.1% of the total. This is followed by 'other theft' at 14.2% and burglary at 12.8%. When looking at property crime as a whole—including burglary, vehicle crime, and all forms of theft—the rate is 11.9 per 1,000 residents. This is exceptionally low compared to the UK average of 32.2. However, the fact that burglary is the third most common crime type, making up a significant 12.8% of local offences, suggests that residential security should be a priority for homeowners. Vehicle crime is very rare here, accounting for only 2.8% of incidents, further reinforcing the area's reputation as a secure place to live and visit.

Crime Trends in Milford on Sea

The crime trend in Milford on Sea is notably positive, with a 14.5% year-over-year decrease in total offences. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows a consistently low crime rate throughout the year. The rate started at 3.3 per 1,000 in January and saw its lowest point in February at just 1.0. Throughout the spring and summer, the rate remained stable, fluctuating slightly between 1.9 and 3.3. Another low point was recorded in November at 1.7, before a small seasonal rise to 2.5 in December. This downward trajectory indicates that Milford on Sea is becoming even safer over time. For residents, this means a reduced risk of encountering crime, though the consistent presence of burglary in the top three crime types suggests that home security remains a relevant and necessary consideration despite the overall improving statistics.

How To Keep Safe in Milford on Sea

While Milford on Sea is statistically very safe, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type. To maintain your personal safety, stay aware of your surroundings when walking alone, particularly along the seafront or in quieter areas after dark. Given that burglary is also a top-three crime type in the village, homeowners should ensure that all windows and doors are securely locked, even when they are inside. Installing motion-activated lighting around the exterior of your property can be a very effective and simple way to deter opportunistic offenders. Additionally, being part of a local neighbourhood watch scheme or staying connected with neighbours can help create a stronger, more observant community. Finally, always report any suspicious activity to the police; your input is vital for maintaining the current downward trend in local crime.

Crime in Milford on Sea follows a distinct temporal pattern. During the morning and afternoon, theft-related offences are the most common, accounting for 53% and 50% of crimes in those periods respectively. This is likely due to the activity in local shops and public areas. As the day moves into the evening and night, the profile shifts dramatically toward burglary. In the evening, burglary makes up 36% of incidents, and this rises to a peak of 45% during the night (12am - 6am). This suggests that while the village is very safe during the day, residential properties are significantly more vulnerable under the cover of darkness. Vehicle crime also sees a slight increase at night, reaching 18% of incidents. Residents should therefore ensure that their most robust security measures are active and effective during these high-risk night-time hours.

In the context of the surrounding New Forest area, Milford on Sea is a very safe location. Its crime rate of 29.1 per 1,000 is lower than the nearby settlement of Ashley, which records 40.6. However, it is higher than the very quiet neighbouring village of Everton, which has a rate of 16.5. Other immediate neighbours like Keyhaven and Hordle recorded zero crimes, reflecting their much smaller populations. Milford on Sea strikes a balance as a popular coastal destination that maintains a high level of safety despite its higher visitor numbers and active village centre compared to its more rural neighbours.

With an overall property crime rate of 11.9 per 1,000, Milford on Sea is safer than most UK towns. However, the data reveals that burglary is the third most common crime, accounting for nearly 13% of all incidents. This highlights a specific need for effective residential security. Traditional home security systems are often reactive—they record footage of a crime as it happens, which may help with a later police investigation but does not prevent the break-in itself. Proactive protection, like scOS, offers a different approach. By using AI to monitor the boundaries of your property, scOS can detect a potential intruder before they even reach your door. The system can then take autonomous action, such as engaging lights or speakers, to deter the individual. This "prevent first" philosophy is especially relevant in Milford on Sea, where the high safety score can lead to a false sense of security. Implementing an intelligent system like scOS ensures that your home remains protected by a system that never blinks and acts in real-time.