Side-by-side crime statistics from official UK Police data.
BH19 · Dorset
23
crimes in April 2026
Below national average
GU25 · Surrey
13
crimes in April 2026
Below national average
Virginia Water has less crime — 13 vs 23 incidents in April 2026.
Swanage recorded notably higher crime than Virginia Water in April 2026 — 23 vs 13 incidents. The crime profiles diverge meaningfully: Swanage sees higher rates of Criminal damage & arson (3), while Virginia Water has more Vehicle crime (2). 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 April 2026 Police data, Virginia Water recorded fewer crimes than Swanage — 13 vs 23 incidents. That is 43% fewer crimes. Virginia Water is also below the national average for crime.
The main difference lies in crime type. In April 2026, Swanage saw higher rates of Criminal damage & arson while Virginia Water had more Vehicle crime. Overall, Virginia Water recorded fewer total crimes (13 vs 23).