Rural New Forest Crime Rate

Rural New Forest is an exceptionally safe area with an overall crime rate of 56.7 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7, resulting in a high safety score of 86/100. The area is currently seeing a very positive trend, with crime decreasing by 13.3% year-over-year. Property crime in Rural New Forest is also notably low at 21.1 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 Rural New Forest 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 Rural New Forest, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 40.7% of all recorded incidents with a rate of 23.1 per 1,000 residents. This is followed by burglary (11.3%) and public order offences (9.3%). 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 21.1 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.3, indicating that Rural New Forest is a very safe place for homeowners. Burglary is the most frequent property-related offence (11.3%), followed by criminal damage (9.0%) and vehicle crime (7.7%). Other theft accounts for 7.5% of total offences. 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 burglary compared to other urban areas highlights the importance of maintaining robust home security for rural properties to protect against opportunistic crime.

The crime trend in Rural New Forest is positive, with a 13.3% 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 3.4 and 6.1. There were peaks in July and August 2025 at 5.6 and 6.1, which may be related to the increase in visitors during the peak summer season. However, the rate quickly returned to lower levels in the following months. This sustained downward trajectory suggests that Rural New Forest is maintaining its status as an exceptionally safe community, with local safety measures and policing proving effective.

How To Keep Safe in Rural New Forest

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Rural New Forest, accounting for 40.7% of all recorded incidents. While the overall rate is significantly below 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 is a notable risk. Always ensure your home and outbuildings are securely locked, even when you are nearby. For vehicle owners, especially in remote locations, never leave valuables on display as this can attract opportunistic thieves. 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 Rural New Forest's high safety standards.

Crime in Rural New Forest follows distinct temporal patterns throughout the day. Burglary is a significant concern across all periods, but shows its highest relative frequency during the afternoon (37%) and night (35%). This suggests that properties are targeted both when residents are out during the day and when they are asleep at night. Theft-related offences, including other theft, are most common during the morning (34%) and afternoon (35%), coinciding with times of higher social activity. Vehicle crime shows its highest relative frequency during the night (35%) and morning (17%), as thieves target parked cars. Evening hours (6pm - 12am) are dominated by 'other' crimes, including public order and anti-social behaviour, which account for 37% of incidents. By understanding these patterns, residents can be more targeted with their security, such as ensuring homes and vehicles are well-secured at all times.

In the local context, Rural New Forest is a standout area for safety. While data for nearby major urban centres is currently not provided for direct comparison, Rural New Forest's overall crime rate of 56.7 per 1,000 is exceptionally low for a rural area. The 13.3% reduction in crime over the last year further reinforces its status as one of the most secure parts of the region. For those looking for a safe and stable environment in a rural setting, Rural New Forest is an excellent choice. Its high safety score of 86/100 makes it one of the most secure locations in the New Forest district.

With a property crime rate of 21.1 per 1,000 and burglary accounting for a notable 11.3% of all crime, security should be a priority for homeowners in Rural New Forest. 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, especially for more isolated rural properties.

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 Rural New Forest, where burglary peaks in the afternoon (37%) and night (35%), 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.