Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Crime Rate

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) presents a secure profile for a major urban-coastal area, with a crime rate of 85.9 per 1,000 residents. This figure is comfortably below the UK national average of 91.7, contributing to a strong safety score of 81/100. Recent data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a very positive trend, with total crime decreasing by 10.5% year-over-year. This downward trajectory indicates that the district is becoming increasingly secure, likely due to effective local safety initiatives and community policing. While certain crime types persist, particularly in the busier urban centres, the overall volume remains moderate, making the area a safe place to live, work, and visit. The following analysis explores the specific crime breakdown and trends to provide a comprehensive view of the regional security landscape.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) is a diverse local authority area on the south coast of England, combining major urban centres, historic towns, and world-renowned coastal resorts. The area's crime statistics are influenced by several key factors. Bournemouth serves as a significant regional hub for nightlife, tourism, and higher education, attracting a large transient population and a vibrant late-night economy which naturally impacts anti-social behaviour and public order figures. Christchurch and Poole offer a blend of high-end residential neighbourhoods, commercial ports, and industrial areas. The high population density in central Bournemouth, coupled with its status as a premier tourist destination with millions of annual visitors, contributes to the concentration of retail-related crimes and social-related incidents. Conversely, the more suburban and affluent parts of the district maintain a different profile, primarily focused on residential property security. The local economy's reliance on the service and hospitality sectors, alongside major employers in the financial services, also shapes the area's demographic and activity patterns.

In Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, the crime landscape is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 31.6% of all recorded incidents (11,105 crimes). The second most frequent category is anti-social behaviour at 24.6% (8,648 crimes), followed by shoplifting at 9.2% (3,238 crimes). When examining property-related crime—which includes burglary, robbery, theft from the person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft—the district maintains a rate of 30.3 per 1,000 people. This is slightly lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. Within this category, criminal damage and arson (7.2%), other theft (6.6%), and vehicle crime (5.9%) are the most significant factors. Burglary accounts for 3.7% of total crime, with 1,314 incidents recorded over the latest 12-month period. For residents, this means that while social and personal offences are the most frequent police matters, property security remains a key concern, particularly regarding vehicle crime and criminal damage. Homeowners and business owners alike should prioritise robust security measures to mitigate the risk of opportunistic theft and damage.

The crime trend in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is currently on a downward trajectory, with total recorded offences falling by 10.5% year-over-year. Analysis of monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a fluctuating but generally improving pattern. The period began with rates between 6.3 and 7.2 during the winter and early spring. Activity peaked during the summer months, with July recording a high of 9.1 per 1,000 residents, followed by June at 7.8 and August at 7.6. This seasonality is typical for coastal areas where tourism and outdoor social activity increase during warmer weather. However, the rates dipped back down towards the end of the year, finishing at 6.2 in November. This overall decrease is an encouraging sign for the district, suggesting that despite seasonal spikes, the long-term trend is moving towards a safer community environment for all residents and visitors.

When examining the regional context, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole maintains a competitive safety profile. Its crime rate of 85.9 per 1,000 is lower than the UK average and compares favourably to many other large coastal urban areas. In contrast, the wider Dorset area records a crime rate of 54.1 per 1,000, reflecting the more rural nature of much of the county. While some immediately adjacent areas like the New Forest, Southampton, and the Isle of Wight have reported 0.0 crimes in this specific dataset, BCP remains a highly secure choice for those seeking a vibrant urban environment with a safety score that exceeds the national average. For residents and businesses, the district offers a stable and secure regional hub.

With a property crime rate of 30.3 per 1,000, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole residents should be proactive about home and business security. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV or standard alarm systems, are often reactive—they record or alert you after a crime has been committed. In an area with significant urban activity, the goal should be prevention. scOS offers a proactive solution by using advanced AI to monitor property boundaries and detect threats before they escalate. By identifying unfamiliar patterns or unauthorised presence at the edge of your property, scOS can trigger autonomous responses—such as activating security lights or audio alerts—that deter criminals instantly. This is particularly effective against opportunistic vehicle crime and shoplifting, which are notable factors in the district. Investing in a professional-grade system like scOS ensures that your property remains a difficult target, preserving the security and peace of mind that BCP residents value. Moving from passive recording to active prevention is the most effective way to protect your household or business.

How To Keep Safe in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

The most prevalent crime type in the district is violence and sexual offences, which often includes incidents related to the vibrant nightlife and large visitor numbers in urban centres. To stay safe, it is always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially when enjoying the local late-night economy; stay with friends and plan your journey home in advance. Given that anti-social behaviour is also a significant factor, reporting any disruptive activity to the local police or through community safety partnerships can help maintain the district's high safety standards. For property owners, the presence of shoplifting and vehicle crime suggests that basic vigilance is necessary. Ensure that vehicles are always locked and that no valuables are left on display. For businesses, participating in local business crime reduction partnerships can provide an extra layer of support. Engaging with local Neighbourhood Watch schemes or community safety groups can also help keep you informed about any specific security concerns in your part of the BCP area.