Bournemouth Crime Rate

Bournemouth is a vibrant urban and coastal centre with a crime rate of 106.9 per 1,000 residents. While this figure is higher than the UK national average of 91.7, the area maintains a safety score of 77/100, which is close to the national average of 79. Recent data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a positive trend, with total crime decreasing by 9.3% year-over-year. This downward trajectory indicates that Bournemouth is becoming increasingly secure, likely due to targeted local safety initiatives and community policing. The property crime rate is 38.3 per 1,000, which is higher than the national average, reflecting the area's busy commercial and tourist activity. The following analysis explores the specific crime breakdown and time patterns to provide a comprehensive view of the local security landscape.

In Bournemouth, the crime landscape is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 30.9% of all recorded incidents (6,680 crimes). The second most frequent category is anti-social behaviour at 24.3% (5,246 crimes), followed by shoplifting at 9.2% (1,993 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—Bournemouth has a rate of 38.3 per 1,000 people. This is higher than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3. Within this category, criminal damage and arson (6.9%), other theft (6.7%), and vehicle crime (6.6%) are the most significant factors. Burglary accounts for 3.5% of total crime, with 755 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 is a major concern, particularly regarding vehicle crime and retail-related theft. Homeowners and businesses should prioritise robust security measures to mitigate the risk of opportunistic crime.

Crime in Bournemouth is currently on a downward trend, with total recorded offences decreasing by 9.3% year-over-year. Analysis of monthly data from December 2024 to November 2025 reveals a fluctuating but generally improving environment. The period began with rates between 7.8 and 8.2 during the winter. Activity increased significantly in the summer, with July recording a peak of 11.3 per 1,000 residents, followed by June at 10.2 and May at 10.0. This seasonality is typical for a major coastal tourist destination where visitor numbers surge during warmer weather. However, the rates dipped back down towards the end of the year, finishing at 7.8 in November. This overall reduction is an encouraging sign for the community, suggesting that despite seasonal spikes, the long-term trend is moving towards a safer environment for all residents and visitors.

How To Keep Safe in Bournemouth

The most prevalent crime type in Bournemouth is violence and sexual offences, which often includes incidents related to the vibrant nightlife and large visitor numbers in the town centre. 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 town-centre safety partnerships can help maintain the area's 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 Bournemouth area.

Bournemouth's crime data shows distinct temporal variations. In the morning, theft accounts for 42% of incidents, while vehicle crime is at 21% and burglary at 10%. The afternoon sees theft remain high at 47%, with burglary rising to 17%. As evening falls, 'other' crimes (including violence and social incidents) become more prominent at 47%, with theft at 18% and vehicle crime at 21%. The most significant shift occurs during the night (12am-6am), where vehicle crime surges to 47% and burglary accounts for 16% of all recorded activity for that period. These patterns indicate that while daytime security should focus on preventing opportunistic theft, night-time measures must prioritise vehicle and home protection. The relative increase in vehicle crime overnight highlights the importance of robust nocturnal security in this busy urban area.

In the local context, Bournemouth is the primary urban hub and naturally has a higher crime rate than its more suburban neighbours. Its rate of 106.9 per 1,000 is significantly higher than that of West Parley (30.8) and Bearwood (64.0). While the very small hamlets of Merritown and Longham reported 0.0 crimes, Bournemouth's statistics are typical for a major tourist and commercial centre. For those seeking a vibrant city life with extensive amenities, Bournemouth offers a dynamic environment with a safety score that remains close to the national average, making it a viable choice compared to other major UK urban centres.

With a property crime rate of 38.3 per 1,000, Bournemouth residents and business owners should be proactive about 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 a busy urban area with significant footfall, 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 Bournemouth. Investing in a professional-grade system like scOS ensures that your property remains a difficult target, preserving the security and peace of mind that residents and business owners value. Moving from passive recording to active prevention is the most effective way to protect your property.