Sway Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Sway, New Forest, reveal a crime rate of 57.3 per 1,000 residents over the period January 2025 to December 2025. While this rate is lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, it’s crucial to examine the specific types of crimes impacting the community. The safety score for Sway is 88 out of 100, indicating a relatively safe environment compared to the national average of 79. However, understanding the breakdown of crime types and the recent trends is essential for residents and local authorities to address concerns and implement effective preventative measures. This report provides a detailed analysis of these figures to offer a comprehensive picture of safety and security in Sway.

The most recent data for Sway, New Forest, from December 2025, reveals the primary concerns regarding criminal activity. Violence and sexual offences represent the most significant portion of recorded incidents, accounting for 24.3% of all crimes, with 25 reported cases. Following closely is anti-social behaviour, which constitutes 19.4% of crimes, with 20 incidents. Criminal damage and arson make up 17.5% of recorded crimes, with 18 instances. While burglary is a concern, it accounts for only 8.7% of crimes, with 9 reported burglaries. Other theft, shoplifting, and vehicle crime each contribute a smaller percentage, indicating a diverse range of criminal activities impacting the neighbourhood. The overall property crime rate stands at 26.1 per 1,000 residents, which is a critical factor in understanding the safety profile of Sway.

Crime in Sway has seen a notable decrease of -12.7% year-on-year. This positive trend is reflected in the monthly data, which shows a significant drop in reported incidents throughout the period from January 2025 to December 2025. For example, the crime rate in January 2025 was 11.7 per 1,000, decreasing to a low of 2.8 per 1,000 in July 2025. While there have been fluctuations month-to-month, the overall downward trend suggests that preventative measures and community engagement are having a positive impact on safety in Sway.

How To Keep Safe in Sway

Given that violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type in Sway, residents should be particularly vigilant in public spaces, especially during the evening. Consider walking with a companion and avoiding poorly lit areas. Due to the prevalence of anti-social behaviour, report any suspicious activity to the authorities promptly. Securing your property against criminal damage involves ensuring fences are in good repair and valuables are out of sight. Finally, be mindful of your surroundings and trust your instincts – if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself from it.

Crime patterns in Sway reveal varying levels of activity throughout the day. Burglary incidents show a slight concentration in the afternoon (34%), while vehicle crime is more prevalent during the night (24%). Theft tends to occur more frequently during commercial hours, particularly in the afternoon (31%). Overall, crime is distributed across various times, with no single period exhibiting a significantly higher risk than others. Understanding these patterns can help residents and authorities tailor preventative measures to specific times of day.

Sway's crime rate is significantly lower than that of its neighbouring areas, such as Tiptoe, Mount Pleasant, Wootton (New Forest), and Sandy Down, all of which have reported a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000 residents. This stark contrast highlights Sway's relative safety compared to its immediate surroundings, although it's important to note that crime statistics can fluctuate and should be viewed within the broader context of local conditions.

Traditional CCTV systems often record crime after it has occurred, offering little in the way of prevention. Reading crime statistics, as presented here, is one thing; actively preventing threats at your property line is another. scOS offers a proactive approach to home security. Its multi-camera intelligence system watches all cameras simultaneously, identifying potential threats before they escalate. The DVLA vehicle verification feature instantly flags suspicious vehicles, while pattern learning recognizes familiar faces and routines. The autonomous response – lights activating and speakers engaging – creates an element of surprise, often deterring potential burglars within those critical first 60 seconds. This preventative capability, combined with professional-grade equipment, provides a level of protection far beyond traditional systems.