Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole's overall crime rate of 101.2 per 1,000 residents is slightly higher than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. However, its safety score of 78 out of 100 matches the national average, indicating a generally safe environment. Property crime stands at 35.9 per 1,000, also slightly above the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. Encouragingly, the area has seen an 8.7% decrease in its overall crime rate year-on-year, suggesting a positive trend in local safety. This introduction sets the stage for a detailed examination of crime statistics and trends within the region.

About Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

The diverse characteristics of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole significantly influence its crime statistics. As a popular coastal destination with a vibrant tourism industry, the area experiences a substantial influx of visitors, particularly during peak seasons. This transient population, coupled with a lively nightlife scene in Bournemouth, can contribute to higher rates of certain crime types, such as anti-social behaviour and public order offences. The region also hosts major educational institutions and healthcare providers, drawing a diverse demographic. The urban centres of Bournemouth and Poole exhibit higher population densities compared to the more suburban and rural fringes, which can lead to varying crime patterns across the district. Economic factors, including employment opportunities and social demographics, also play a role in shaping the overall crime landscape, contributing to the nuanced safety profile of the area.

Crime Type Analysis

Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, accounting for 31.8% of all reported incidents, at 32.7 per 1,000 residents. This is followed closely by anti-social behaviour, which constitutes 24.1% of crimes, or 24.8 per 1,000 people, often associated with urban activity and nightlife. Shoplifting ranks as the third most common offence, making up 9.0% of the total at 9.2 per 1,000.

Collectively, property-related crimes, including burglary (3.8%), other theft (6.6%), vehicle crime (6.0%), criminal damage and arson (7.4%), bicycle theft (1.3%), robbery (0.8%), and theft from the person (0.6%), represent a significant portion of the area's crime landscape. With a property crime rate of 35.9 per 1,000 residents, it is crucial for homeowners and residents to consider robust security measures. Proactive protection can significantly mitigate the risk of becoming a victim of these crimes.

Crime Trends

The crime trend in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole shows a positive direction, with an 8.7% decrease in the overall crime rate year-over-year. Examining the monthly data reveals fluctuations, but an underlying downward trajectory is evident. The crime rate per 1,000 residents saw a low of 7.3 in January 2025, climbing to a peak of 10.3 in July 2025, a month often associated with increased seasonal activity. Following this summer peak, rates decreased to 7.6 by September 2025. This pattern suggests that while seasonal variations may lead to temporary increases, the long-term trend indicates an improvement in overall safety. This sustained decrease offers reassurance to residents and businesses, reflecting effective local initiatives or broader societal shifts impacting crime.

Nearby Area Comparison

Comparing Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to its neighbours provides valuable regional context. The New Forest, known for its rural character, typically exhibits lower crime rates. In contrast, larger urban centres like Southampton, with its significant population and port activity, often experience higher crime figures, making Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole's rates appear more moderate in comparison. The Isle of Wight, being an island community, has its own unique crime dynamics. When looking at areas such as Dorset, Eastleigh, and Fareham, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole generally sits within a similar range of crime statistics, sometimes slightly higher due to its popular urban and coastal areas. This regional overview helps residents understand local safety in a broader geographical context, highlighting the unique challenges and strengths of each area.

Protecting Your Home in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

With a property crime rate of 35.9 per 1,000 residents in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, ensuring robust home security is a priority for many. Traditional security systems often provide footage after a burglary has occurred, acting reactively rather than proactively. However, modern AI-powered solutions like scOS offer a different approach, designed to prevent crime before it happens.

Instead of merely recording an incident, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to detect threats at your property boundary, acting as a visible deterrent. It learns your routines, identifying genuine threats and avoiding false alarms, and can even verify vehicles instantly using DVLA data. When a threat is detected, scOS can trigger an autonomous response, activating lights and speakers to destroy the element of surprise and encourage intruders to move on. This proactive intervention is crucial, as most burglars decide within 60 seconds whether to proceed. By signalling serious protection, a professional-grade system like scOS helps ensure your property is protected, offering true peace of mind.