Side-by-side crime statistics from official UK Police data.
GU17 · Hampshire
41
crimes in February 2026
Below national average
BH19 · Dorset
18
crimes in February 2026
Below national average
Swanage has less crime — 18 vs 41 incidents in February 2026.
Blackwater and Hawley recorded notably higher crime than Swanage in February 2026 — 41 vs 18 incidents. The crime profiles diverge meaningfully: Blackwater and Hawley sees higher rates of Criminal damage & arson (5), while Swanage has more Shoplifting (3). Both areas sit below the national average for recorded crime — a positive sign for either location.
Full reports cover 24 months of trends, ward breakdowns, outcome rates, and a detailed safety score — from £4.99.
Based on February 2026 Police data, Swanage recorded fewer crimes than Blackwater and Hawley — 18 vs 41 incidents. That is 56% fewer crimes. Swanage is also below the national average for crime.
The main difference lies in crime type. In February 2026, Blackwater and Hawley saw higher rates of Criminal damage & arson while Swanage had more Shoplifting. Overall, Swanage recorded fewer total crimes (18 vs 41).