Ringwood Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Ringwood, based on data collected between January and December 2025, reveal a crime rate of 67.3 per 1,000 residents. This figure is lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, indicating that Ringwood is generally safer than many other areas in the country. The area boasts a safety score of 84/100, further reinforcing this perception of relative safety. However, understanding the specific types of crime and any emerging trends is crucial for maintaining and improving safety within the community. This page will provide a detailed breakdown of these statistics and offer practical advice for residents.

The crime landscape in Ringwood is complex, with several factors potentially contributing to the reported statistics. The area's blend of residential housing, local businesses, and proximity to the New Forest National Park can influence crime patterns. The presence of a vibrant town centre, while offering amenities and employment, can also attract opportunistic crime, such as shoplifting. Demographics play a role as well; a mix of families, retirees, and commuters shapes the local community and potentially impacts the types of crimes experienced. Understanding these underlying factors is crucial for developing targeted crime prevention strategies and addressing the specific challenges faced by Ringwood residents.

Crime rates in Ringwood have been steadily decreasing since January 2025, showing a significant year-on-year decrease of -17.7%. The monthly data reflects this trend, with crime rates consistently lower in the latter months of the year. For instance, the rate dropped from 6.6 per 1,000 in January to 5.5 per 1,000 in November. While December saw a slight increase to 6.8 per 1,000, this remains significantly below the initial rates. This positive trend suggests that ongoing crime prevention initiatives are having a tangible impact on the community's safety.

How To Keep Safe in Ringwood

Given that violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type in Ringwood, it's important to be aware of your surroundings, particularly during the evening. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas and consider using well-lit, populated routes. With shoplifting being a significant concern, be mindful of your belongings when shopping and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight. Secure your vehicles by parking in well-lit areas and ensuring windows and doors are locked. Finally, be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.

Crimes in Ringwood tend to occur throughout the day and night. Burglary shows a slightly higher incidence in the afternoon (22%), while vehicle crime is more prevalent during the night (34%). Theft is most common during commercial hours, particularly in the afternoon (45%). Violence tends to peak during the evening (0%) and night (0%) hours, particularly on weekends. This pattern highlights the need for vigilance across all hours and consideration of specific crime types when planning your activities.

Compared to neighbouring areas, Ringwood's crime rate presents a varied picture. Hightown and Ashley Heath have lower rates at 46.1 and 44.5 per 1,000 respectively, suggesting a lower crime risk in those locations. However, Burley Street reports a rate of 0.0, which is significantly lower and may reflect different factors such as population density or land use. The range of rates highlights the localised nature of crime and the importance of considering specific area characteristics when assessing safety.

Traditional CCTV systems often provide a reactive response – recording footage after a crime has occurred. While this can be helpful for investigations, it doesn't prevent the incident itself. scOS, an AI-powered home security operating system, offers a proactive approach. It uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundary, identifying potential threats before they escalate. Features like DVLA vehicle verification instantly flag suspicious vehicles, and pattern learning recognises familiar faces, minimising false alarms. For example, if a delivery driver approaches your property, scOS recognises them and doesn’t trigger an alert. But if an unfamiliar vehicle lingers, scOS intervenes, activating lights and speakers – often enough to deter would-be intruders. Reading crime statistics is one thing; actually stopping threats at your property line is another. If you're serious about home protection in Ringwood, consider a proactive system like scOS.