Woodlands Crime Rate

Woodlands, a quiet and leafy village in the New Forest, is a very safe urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 39.5 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7, earning the area an excellent safety score of 87/100. Despite its high safety rating, the village has seen a recent upward trend, with total crime increasing by 10.3% year-over-year. Woodlands' crime profile is primarily defined by interpersonal offences and a high proportion of burglary, with property crime rates sitting at a low 16.6 per 1,000. Burglary is the second most frequent offence in the area. This report provides a detailed breakdown of local crime types, monthly trends, and practical safety advice to help Woodlands residents maintain their secure community environment.

Crime Breakdown in Woodlands

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Woodlands, with 22 incidents accounting for 51.2% of total crime. This is followed by burglary at 20.9% and criminal damage and arson at 9.3%. These figures indicate that interpersonal issues and property-related offences are the primary drivers of local crime statistics.

Property-related crime in Woodlands—including burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and shoplifting—occurs at a rate of 16.6 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 32.3, highlighting the area's relative safety despite a recent trend increase. Burglary accounts for a high 20.9% of all crime, with 9 incidents reported in the last year. Vehicle crime makes up 7.0% of local activity, with 3 incidents. For residents, the data suggests that while Woodlands is a secure village, home security should be a top priority, particularly as burglary is the second most frequent offence. Maintaining visible deterrents and securing both residential and commercial properties is recommended to mitigate these risks.

Woodlands is currently seeing an upward trend in crime, with a 10.3% year-over-year increase. This is an important indicator for the village's safety. Monthly data from January 2025 to November 2025 shows that crime rates fluctuated throughout the year, with a notable peak at the end of the year. The highest peak was seen in November (7.4), followed by July (5.5) and March/September (both 4.6).

The lowest points were recorded in January (0.9), February (1.8), and May (1.8). Following a relatively stable spring, the crime rate began to rise in the summer and autumn, finishing the year at its highest levels. This upward trend, combined with the significant percentage increase, suggests that Woodlands residents should be more vigilant and take basic security precautions to maintain the village's reputation as a secure and peaceful residential community.

How To Keep Safe in Woodlands

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Woodlands, accounting for 51.2% of all incidents. While the overall volume is low, staying safe remains a priority.

• Awareness in Public: When walking through the village or using local paths, especially after dark, stay aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit paths.
• Secure Your Home: Burglary (20.9%) is a major concern, especially in the afternoon and at night. Ensure your home has robust window and door locks and consider motion-activated lighting to deter opportunistic thieves.
• Vehicle Vigilance: Vehicle crime makes up 7.0% of local activity, primarily at night. Always remove valuables from your car and park in a secure, well-lit location if possible.
• Report Any Concerns: With an upward trend in local crime, reporting suspicious activity is more important than ever. Joining a local watch scheme ensures that information is shared quickly.
• Engage with Neighbours: A connected community is a safer one. Neighbours looking out for each other can help maintain the village's high safety standards and deter potential offenders.

Crime timing in Woodlands reveals distinct shifts in risk throughout the 24-hour cycle. During the morning and afternoon (6am to 6pm), burglary is a major concern. Burglary accounts for a staggering 61% of crimes in the afternoon, suggesting that homes are being targeted when they are most likely to be empty.

As night falls, the profile of crime changes significantly. Between 12am and 6am, the risk to property and vehicles peaks. Burglary accounts for 53% of night-time incidents, while vehicle crime makes up 28%. This means property-related offences account for 81% of all activity during these hours. This suggests that while overall crime volume is low during the night, almost all recorded incidents are focused on property and vehicles. Residents are strongly advised to ensure their homes and vehicles are fully secured before retiring for the evening to protect against these statistically significant night-time threats.

In the local context, Woodlands (39.5 crimes per 1,000) is an exceptionally safe residential choice. It is notably safer than the nearby town of Totton, which has a rate of 84.6, and has a similar crime profile to neighbouring Ashurst at 46.7. While Woodlands sees more activity than the zero-crime rural hamlets of Cadnam and Bartley and Ower, it offers a high level of safety for an urban settlement of its size. These comparisons highlight Woodlands as a secure village that provides a low-risk environment for its residents despite the recent increase in local crime.

With a property crime rate of 16.6 per 1,000 in Woodlands and an increasing trend, residents should focus on enhancing their security through proactive measures. While the volume of crime is lower than the national average, burglary is a top property concern, making up over 20% of all incidents. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or doorbell cameras, are reactive; they record a crime as it happens, which often does little to prevent the initial intrusion or the violation of your home.

The scOS operating system offers a proactive alternative by using AI-powered multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's perimeter in real-time. It can distinguish between a routine visitor and someone loitering near your side gate or car at 3am. If a threat is detected, scOS can autonomously trigger a response—such as activating floodlights or a warning speaker—to deter the criminal before they even attempt a break-in. For Woodlands residents, where property crime makes up over 80% of night-time activity, the ability to stop a threat at the boundary is the most effective way to ensure their property remains as safe as the statistics suggest.