Swanmore Crime Rate

Swanmore Crime Statistics

Swanmore is a safe urban settlement with an overall crime rate of 44.4 per 1,000 people. This is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.6, resulting in a strong safety score of 88/100. However, recent data shows that the crime trend is increasing, with a 33.9% rise in offences year-over-year. This upward shift suggests that while Swanmore remains safe by national standards, residents should be more vigilant about local security. This report provides a detailed breakdown of the types of crime occurring in Swanmore and their timing to help the community stay informed and secure.

Crime Breakdown in Swanmore

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Swanmore, accounting for 86 incidents or 55.8% of all recorded crime. This is followed by criminal damage and arson at 13.6% and anti-social behaviour at 8.4%. These three categories represent the majority of crime in the area, indicating that personal safety and public order are the primary concerns.

Property crime in Swanmore occurs at a rate of 10.7 per 1,000 people. This includes 'other theft' at 5.2% of total crime and vehicle crime at 4.5%. Shoplifting and burglary are both very low, each accounting for less than 1% of total offences. For residents, this suggests that while the risk of burglary is extremely low, there is a moderate risk of vehicle-related crime and general theft. Homeowners should focus their security efforts on protecting their vehicles and the exterior of their properties, as these are more frequent targets than the homes themselves.

Crime Trends in Swanmore

Swanmore is currently experiencing a significant upward trend in crime, with a 33.9% increase in total offences year-over-year. This is a notable change for the area. Monthly data from 2025 shows that the crime rate fluctuated throughout the year, with rates ranging from a low of 2.0 per 1,000 in September to a peak of 5.8 in July and August.

The higher rates during the summer months (May to August) suggest a seasonal increase in crime, possibly linked to more outdoor activity. After this peak, the rate returned to lower levels for the remainder of the year. While the overall annual trend is up, the low monthly rates in late autumn and winter are a positive sign for the community.

How To Keep Safe in Swanmore

Violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type in Swanmore. To maintain your personal safety, consider the following advice:

1. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone during the evening. Stick to well-lit main roads and avoid shortcuts through quiet or unlit paths.
2. If you are out and about, trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a certain situation or around a specific person, move to a busier, well-lit area as soon as possible.
3. When walking at night, try to do so with a friend or family member. Sharing your live location with a trusted contact is a simple way to add an extra layer of safety.
4. Keep your vehicle secure at all times. Ensure all doors are locked and no valuables are left on display, as vehicle crime is one of the more frequent property offences in the area.
5. Report any suspicious behaviour or incidents to the local police. Staying informed and active in the community helps maintain the high safety standards Swanmore is known for.

Crime Patterns in Swanmore

Crime in Swanmore follows clear time patterns, with different offences peaking throughout the day. Afternoon hours see the highest percentage of theft-related crimes, accounting for 42% of offences in that period. This suggests that opportunistic theft is most likely when people are active and out of their homes.

Conversely, the night-time hours (12am - 6am) see a shift towards vehicle-related crime. Vehicle crime accounts for 38% of all offences during this period, making it the primary concern for residents overnight. Evening hours see a high percentage of 'other' crimes, including public order and anti-social behaviour. Interestingly, no burglaries were recorded in Swanmore during this period, indicating a very low risk for this crime type at any time of day.

Nearby Area Comparison

Compared to its immediate neighbours, Swanmore's crime rate of 44.4 per 1,000 people is mid-range for the area. It is safer than Bishop's Waltham (56.7) and Shedfield (64.6) but has a higher rate than Waltham Chase (21.1). Shirrell Heath recorded zero crimes during this period. Despite the recent increase in crime, Swanmore remains a very secure location compared to larger towns and cities in Hampshire. For those looking for a residential area with a high level of safety, Swanmore continues to be a strong choice within the Winchester district.

Proactive Security in Swanmore

With a property crime rate of 10.7 per 1,000 people and an increasing trend, Swanmore residents should consider the benefits of more advanced security. Traditional CCTV systems are reactive, providing evidence only after a crime has occurred. In an area where vehicle crime is more common than burglary, preventing the incident is far more valuable than recording it.

scOS offers proactive protection by using AI to monitor multiple camera feeds in real-time. It can identify potential threats at the boundary of your property, such as someone loitering near your car or entering your garden. When a threat is detected, scOS can autonomously respond with lights or speakers to deter the intruder before they can act. This proactive approach is particularly effective for protecting vehicles and home exteriors, ensuring that your property remains secure even as local crime trends change. In a safe area like Swanmore, this level of deterrence is the best way to keep crime rates low.