Sandleheath Crime Rate

Sandleheath is an exceptionally safe and quiet village in the New Forest, with a crime rate of 27.7 per 1,000 residents. This is remarkably lower than the UK average of 91.6, earning the area an outstanding safety score of 92/100. While the village is very secure, there has been a recent 26.5% year-over-year increase in total crime, which warrants attention. The overall property crime rate remains very low at just 8.4 per 1,000, but burglary and vehicle crime are the most notable components of local property statistics. This report provides a detailed analysis of Sandleheath's crime data, including monthly trends and time-of-day insights, to help residents understand and maintain the high level of safety they currently enjoy.

Crime Breakdown in Sandleheath

Sandleheath's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 23 incidents or 53.5% of the total recorded crime. Burglary is the second most common issue at 13.9%, followed by vehicle crime at 11.6%. When examining property-related crime as a whole—including burglary, vehicle crime, and various thefts—the rate in Sandleheath is 8.4 per 1,000 residents. This is exceptionally low compared to the UK average of 32.2. However, burglary and vehicle crime are notable factors here, together making up over a quarter of all recorded crime. For residents, this means that while the village is generally very safe, property and vehicle security remain important considerations for the community.

Crime Trends in Sandleheath

The crime trend in Sandleheath has seen a 26.5% increase in total offences year-over-year. While this percentage increase is high, the overall number of incidents remains very low due to the village's small population. Monthly data for 2025 reveals a consistently low and stable crime rate. The year started with a rate of 2.6 per 1,000 in January and saw its lowest points in several months at just 1.3. There was a slight peak in February and November at 3.9, which is still remarkably low by any standard. This stable pattern suggests that while there has been a year-over-year increase, crime levels are not spiralling but rather fluctuating at a low level. For residents, this trend reinforces Sandleheath's reputation as a safe place to live, while serving as a reminder to remain mindful of security.

How To Keep Safe in Sandleheath

The most commonly reported crime in Sandleheath is violence and sexual offences, accounting for over 53% of the total recorded incidents. To stay safe, residents should continue to be aware of their surroundings, particularly when walking alone after dark. Burglary is also a notable factor in the local data, making up nearly 14% of crime; ensuring that your home is well-lit and that all doors and windows are securely locked can act as a powerful deterrent against opportunistic theft. For vehicle owners, ensuring that cars are parked in well-lit areas and that no valuables are left inside is essential, as vehicle crime accounts for over 11% of total incidents. Staying connected with neighbours and participating in local community safety groups can also help maintain the village's high standard of safety. Finally, always report any suspicious activity to the police, as local intelligence is vital for monitoring crime trends.

Crime timing in Sandleheath shows distinct trends despite the low number of incidents. During the morning and afternoon, burglary and vehicle crime are the most common, accounting for 37% and 60% of burglaries respectively in those periods. This suggests that properties may be targeted when they are unoccupied during the day. As evening falls, burglary risk remains high at 55% of incidents. Night-time (12am - 6am) sees a sharp shift in risk toward vehicles, with vehicle crime accounting for 55% of the period's total and burglary for 42%. These figures suggest that properties and vehicles are most vulnerable during the late-night hours. Residents should ensure that home security is active overnight and that vehicles are securely parked to mitigate these specific risks.

Sandleheath is one of the safest settlements in the New Forest and compares very well with its larger neighbour, Fordingbridge, which has a much higher crime rate of 85.2 per 1,000. In contrast, the tiny neighbouring hamlets of Rockbourne and Breamore recorded no crimes during the same period, which is typical for very sparsely populated rural areas. Sandleheath's low rate reflects its status as a quiet, residential village with a strong sense of community. Despite the recent upward trend, it remains a highly desirable and secure location compared to most UK towns.

With an exceptionally low property crime rate of 8.4 per 1,000 people, Sandleheath residents live in one of the safest environments in the UK. However, the presence of burglary and vehicle crime, together making up over 25% of local incidents, means that security should not be ignored. Traditional security systems are often reactive—they record footage of a crime after it has occurred. For those who want to ensure their home remains part of Sandleheath's safe statistics, a proactive system like scOS is the superior choice. scOS uses AI to monitor your property boundaries in real-time, identifying potential threats before they can attempt a break-in. By deploying autonomous responses, such as activating lights or speakers, scOS removes the element of surprise that offenders rely on. In a village like Sandleheath, where burglary is a notable part of the profile, a sophisticated system like scOS ensures that your property remains a difficult target, providing real-time prevention rather than just evidence after the fact.