Bournemouth Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics

Bournemouth's crime rate stands at 108.8 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the UK average of 93.4 per 1,000. Its safety score of 76 out of 100 is slightly below the national average of 78, indicating a need for continued vigilance. Property crime in Bournemouth is reported at 39.2 per 1,000, also above the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. Despite these figures, the area has experienced a positive trend, with an 8.2% decrease in its overall crime rate year-on-year. This introduction provides a snapshot of Bournemouth's crime landscape, setting the context for a deeper dive into local statistics and patterns.

Crime Type Analysis

In Bournemouth, violence and sexual offences represent the most significant crime category, accounting for 30.9% of all incidents, equating to 33.6 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue, making up 24.2% of crimes at 26.3 per 1,000, often prevalent in urban areas with high footfall and nightlife. Shoplifting follows as the third highest, with 9.1% of the total, or 9.9 per 1,000.

Property-related crimes, including burglary (3.6%), other theft (6.6%), vehicle crime (6.5%), criminal damage and arson (7.2%), bicycle theft (1.4%), robbery (0.9%), and theft from the person (0.7%), collectively contribute to a property crime rate of 39.2 per 1,000. This elevated rate underscores the importance of robust security measures for both residents and businesses. Understanding these patterns is key to implementing effective prevention strategies and protecting assets within the community.

Crime Trends

Bournemouth has seen a positive shift in its crime landscape, with an 8.2% decrease in the overall crime rate year-over-year. Analysing the monthly trend data reveals a fluctuating pattern, with crime rates per 1,000 residents showing a low of 7.8 in January 2025. Rates gradually increased through spring, peaking at 11.3 in July 2025, which is often a busier period for coastal towns. Following this summer surge, crime rates saw a notable reduction, falling to 8.1 by September 2025. This indicates that while seasonal factors may influence crime, the underlying annual trend points towards improved safety. Residents can take some reassurance from this sustained downward trend.

Time Patterns of Crime

Crime patterns in Bournemouth exhibit distinct variations throughout the day. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are most prominent, accounting for 42% of crimes, alongside a significant 20% for vehicle crime, suggesting activity around commercial openings and commutes. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees theft peak at 47%, likely driven by increased footfall in shopping areas, while vehicle crime decreases. As evening approaches (6pm-12am), 'Other' crimes, which include public order and anti-social behaviour, become the largest category at 47%, with vehicle crime and burglary remaining notable. Night-time (12am-6am) is dominated by vehicle crime, which rises significantly to 46%, alongside consistent burglary activity, reflecting periods when properties and vehicles are often unattended.

Nearby Area Comparison

To understand Bournemouth's crime profile in a local context, it is helpful to compare it with its neighbouring areas. Settlements such as West Parley, Merritown, Bearwood, and Longham generally represent more suburban or residential communities. These areas typically exhibit lower overall crime rates compared to Bournemouth, which, as a larger urban centre and popular tourist destination, naturally experiences higher levels of activity and associated crime. The differences often lie in the prevalence of anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, and public order offences, which are more concentrated in Bournemouth's bustling town centre. This comparison helps residents gauge the relative safety and specific crime challenges that are more pronounced in an urban environment like Bournemouth.

Protecting Your Home in Bournemouth

With Bournemouth's property crime rate at 39.2 per 1,000 residents, safeguarding your home and belongings is a significant concern. While traditional CCTV systems offer valuable footage after an incident, they often fall short in preventing crime from occurring. Modern security solutions, such as scOS, are designed with proactive prevention in mind.

scOS leverages AI and multi-camera intelligence to detect potential threats at your property's perimeter, long before a break-in can happen. It intelligently learns your daily routines, distinguishing between family members and genuine intruders, and can even identify vehicles using DVLA verification. Upon detection, scOS can activate lights and speakers, creating an immediate deterrent and eliminating the element of surprise that burglars rely on. This proactive approach is vital, as most burglars make their decision to proceed within 60 seconds. Implementing a professional-grade system like scOS provides a robust layer of protection, shifting the focus from recording crime to actively preventing it.