Ringwood Crime Rate

Ringwood is an exceptionally safe urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 66.0 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7, resulting in a high safety score of 84/100. The area is currently seeing a very positive trend, with crime decreasing by 17.1% year-over-year. Property crime in Ringwood is also notably low at 26.2 per 1,000, which is well below the national average of 32.3. These statistics, based on data from December 2024 to November 2025, show that Ringwood is a low-risk area for both personal and property crime. The following sections provide a more detailed look at the specific types of crime and advice for staying safe.

In Ringwood, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 39.2% of all recorded incidents with a rate of 25.9 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by shoplifting (11.6%) and anti-social behaviour (10.5%). 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 26.2 per 1,000 people. This is lower than the UK average of 32.3, indicating that Ringwood is a relatively safe place for homeowners. Shoplifting is the most frequent property-related offence (11.6%), followed by criminal damage (9.1%) and other theft (7.3%). Burglary accounts for 5.8% of total offences, while vehicle crime is low at 4.2%. For residents, the data suggests that while public-facing offences are the main concern, the risk of property theft is relatively low. However, the high proportion of shoplifting and criminal damage highlights the importance of maintaining robust security for both residential and commercial properties to protect against opportunistic crime and vandalism.

The crime trend in Ringwood is positive, with a significant 17.1% 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 consistently low, mostly fluctuating between 3.9 and 6.9. There was a peak in August 2025 at 6.9, but the rate quickly returned to lower levels in the following months. This sustained downward trajectory suggests that Ringwood is maintaining its status as an exceptionally safe community, with local safety measures and policing proving effective. For residents, this means that the area's overall risk remains consistently minimal.

How To Keep Safe in Ringwood

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Ringwood, accounting for 39.2% of all recorded incidents. While the overall rate is significantly below the UK average, personal safety should be a priority for residents and visitors.

When moving around the settlement, 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 and visitors can help maintain Ringwood's high safety standards.

Crime in Ringwood follows distinct temporal patterns throughout the day. Theft-related offences, including shoplifting and other theft, are heavily concentrated during the morning (43%) and afternoon (45%), 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 26% and 32% 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 48% 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, Ringwood is a very safe residential choice. Its crime rate of 66.0 per 1,000 is higher than nearby Hightown (44.7) and Ashley Heath (43.0), but it remains a very secure community. Ringwood's significant 17.1% reduction in crime over the last year is a positive sign that the area is becoming even safer. For those looking for a quiet, residential area with a crime rate that is well below the national average, Ringwood is an excellent option in the region. Its high safety score of 84/100 makes it one of the most secure locations in the New Forest district.

With a property crime rate of 26.2 per 1,000, Ringwood is a very safe area for homeowners, but the presence of shoplifting, criminal damage, and burglary means that security should still be a priority. 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 Ringwood, where burglary peaks at night (26%) and theft offences peak in the morning and afternoon (43% and 45%), 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 excellent safety record.