New Milton Crime Rate

New Milton is a safe urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 94.5 per 1,000 people. This is slightly higher than the UK average of 91.7, contributing to a safety score of 78/100, which is almost identical to the UK average. The area is currently seeing a positive trend, with crime decreasing by 6.8% year-over-year. Property crime in New Milton is slightly above the national average at 38.2 per 1,000, compared to the UK figure of 32.3. These statistics, based on data from December 2024 to November 2025, show that New Milton has a typical crime profile for an urban settlement of its size. The following sections provide a more detailed look at the specific types of crime and advice for staying safe.

In New Milton, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 36.6% of all recorded incidents with a rate of 34.6 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by shoplifting (15.1%) and criminal damage and arson (9.9%). Together, these categories represent the primary focus for local policing.

Property crime—which includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—has a combined rate of 38.2 per 1,000 people. This is higher than the UK average of 32.3, indicating that New Milton has a more active property crime profile than many other urban settlements. Shoplifting is the most frequent property-related offence (15.1%), followed by criminal damage (9.9%) and other theft (5.6%). Burglary accounts for 5.5% of total offences, while vehicle crime is low at 2.5%. For residents, the data suggests that while public-facing offences are the main concern, the risk of property theft and damage is a significant factor. Maintaining robust home and business security is an important consideration for residents in New Milton to protect against opportunistic crime and vandalism.

The crime trend in New Milton is positive, with a 6.8% year-over-year decrease in recorded offences. This indicates a steady improvement in local safety. Monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows that the crime rate per 1,000 residents has remained relatively stable, mostly fluctuating between 6.0 and 9.9. There were peaks in March and May 2025 at 9.9, but the rate has generally trended downward in the following months. This sustained downward trajectory suggests that New Milton is maintaining its status as a safe community, with local safety measures and policing proving effective. For residents, this means that the area's overall risk remains consistently lower than in previous years.

How To Keep Safe in New Milton

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in New Milton, accounting for 36.6% of all recorded incidents. While the overall rate is close to the UK average, personal safety should be a priority for residents.

When moving around the area, especially in the evening, try to stay in well-lit areas and on familiar routes. If you are out alone, keep your phone easily accessible and avoid using headphones, as being aware of your surroundings is your best defence. Letting a friend or family member know your plans can also provide an extra layer of security.

For home and property safety, the data shows that burglary and vehicle crime are notable risks at night. Always ensure your home and vehicle are securely locked, even when you are nearby. For business owners, the high rate of shoplifting means that robust security measures for commercial premises are vital. Participating in local safety schemes like Neighbourhood Watch can also help keep the area's crime rate on its current downward path. By staying vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity, residents can help maintain New Milton's high safety standards.

Crime in New Milton follows distinct temporal patterns throughout the day. Theft-related offences, including shoplifting and other theft, are heavily concentrated during the morning (37%) and afternoon (38%), coinciding with times of higher social and commercial activity. This suggests that opportunistic theft is a significant concern during daylight hours. Burglary and vehicle crime, however, show their highest relative frequency during the night (12am - 6am), accounting for 30% and 22% of incidents in that period respectively, as thieves target properties and cars under the cover of darkness. Evening hours (6pm - 12am) are dominated by 'other' crimes, including public order and anti-social behaviour, which account for 55% of incidents. By understanding these patterns, residents can be more targeted with their security, such as being extra vigilant during the day and ensuring homes and vehicles are well-secured at night.

In the local context, New Milton is a more active urban area compared to its quieter neighbours. Its crime rate of 94.5 per 1,000 is higher than nearby Barton on Sea (23.2) and Ashley (41.3). While Bashley and Wootton recorded no crimes in this period, New Milton remains a typical urban settlement for the region. The 6.8% reduction in crime over the last year is a positive sign that the area is becoming safer. For those looking for a residential area with a crime rate that is close to the national average, New Milton is a good option in the region. Its safety score of 78/100 makes it a secure location in the New Forest district.

With a property crime rate of 38.2 per 1,000, New Milton is above the UK average, meaning that security should be a priority for homeowners. Traditional security systems are reactive; they record footage of a crime while it is happening or alert you after a sensor has been triggered. For those who want to actively prevent crime, proactive protection is a much better alternative.

scOS is an AI-powered home security operating system that identifies threats before they reach your home. By monitoring your property's perimeter in real-time, scOS can detect suspicious activity and take autonomous action—such as turning on lights or playing a warning through speakers—to deter criminals. In New Milton, where burglary peaks at night (30%) and theft offences peak in the morning and afternoon (37% and 38%), scOS provides a constant, intelligent watch that traditional DIY cameras cannot provide. It learns your family's routines and only alerts you to real threats, ensuring your home remains secure. Investing in proactive detection is the most effective way to protect your property and maintain the area's improving safety record.