Ringwood Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Ringwood’s crime rate of 5.7 per 1,000 residents in January 2026 places it 16.2% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000, reflecting a safer-than-average environment for this built-up area within the New Forest. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (23 incidents, 31.9% of total crimes), followed by shoplifting (13 incidents, 18.1%) and criminal damage and arson (10 incidents, 13.9%). These figures align with the area’s seasonal context, as January typically sees reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours, which may contribute to lower outdoor crime rates but could also exacerbate indoor incidents like violence. The relatively low rate of anti-social behaviour (5 incidents, 6.9%)—57% below the UK average—suggests effective community management or a lower population density in residential areas. However, the sharp rise in shoplifting compared to UK averages (75% above) raises questions about local retail security measures or changes in consumer behaviour during the post-holiday period. This built-up area’s unique position within the New Forest, with its mix of rural and urban characteristics, likely influences crime patterns, as tourist activity and seasonal fluctuations play a role in shaping reported incidents.

January 2026 saw a 333.3% increase in shoplifting compared to December, rising from 3 to 13 incidents. This surge, which places shoplifting 75% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000, may reflect post-holiday retail patterns or targeted theft in local stores. Conversely, anti-social behaviour dropped by 58.3% (from 12 to 5 incidents), a decline that aligns with the UK average (0.9 per 1,000) and could indicate successful community interventions. Violence and sexual offences also fell by 34.3% (from 35 to 23 incidents), remaining 28% below the UK average for this category. Criminal damage and arson decreased by 33.3% (from 15 to 10 incidents), though the rate still exceeds the UK average by 67%. Residents may find the 5.7 per 1,000 crime rate, combined with a 16.2% UK comparison advantage, a useful benchmark for local safety assessments. The increase in possession of weapons (from 0 to 1 incident) and robbery (from 0 to 1 incident) highlights isolated but significant spikes that warrant further local scrutiny.

Ringwood’s January 2026 crime rate of 5.7 per 1,000 marks a 16.2% decrease from December’s rate of 6.8 per 1,000, reflecting a consistent trend of declining crime in this built-up area. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly 2 crimes per day in January, a figure that, while local to Ringwood, contextualises the pace of incidents within the community. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 176 residents—a monthly exposure rate that is lower than many comparable areas. With a population of 12,702, this statistic illustrates how the crime burden is distributed across households, suggesting that most residents may experience minimal direct exposure to crime. The comparison to the UK average underscores Ringwood’s relative safety, particularly in categories like anti-social behaviour (57% below UK average) and burglary (29% below UK average). However, the area’s shoplifting rate (75% above UK average) highlights specific vulnerabilities that may require targeted policing or retail security upgrades. These figures, when viewed alongside the area’s rural-urban hybrid character, suggest that localised factors—such as seasonal retail dynamics and community engagement—play a critical role in shaping crime trends.