Side-by-side crime statistics from official UK Police data.
BH24 · Hampshire
71
crimes in February 2026
Below national average
BH19 · Dorset
18
crimes in February 2026
Below national average
Swanage has less crime — 18 vs 71 incidents in February 2026.
Ringwood recorded substantially more crime than Swanage in February 2026 — 71 incidents compared to 18, a 3.9x difference. The crime profiles diverge meaningfully: Ringwood sees higher rates of Criminal damage & arson (8), 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 Ringwood — 18 vs 71 incidents. That is 75% fewer crimes. Swanage is also below the national average for crime.
The main difference lies in crime type. In February 2026, Ringwood saw higher rates of Criminal damage & arson while Swanage had more Shoplifting. Overall, Swanage recorded fewer total crimes (18 vs 71).