Side-by-side crime statistics from official UK Police data.
BH22 · Dorset
45
crimes in February 2026
Below national average
BH19 · Dorset
18
crimes in February 2026
Below national average
Swanage has less crime — 18 vs 45 incidents in February 2026.
Ferndown recorded substantially more crime than Swanage in February 2026 — 45 incidents compared to 18, a 2.5x difference. Both areas share a near-identical crime profile, with Violence & sexual offences dominating in each. 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 Ferndown — 18 vs 45 incidents. That is 60% fewer crimes. Swanage is also below the national average for crime.
Both areas share Violence & sexual offences as their top crime category. In February 2026, Ferndown recorded 13 incidents of this type vs 8 in Swanage. Total crime levels were broadly similar.