Bournemouth Crime Rate

Bournemouth maintains a solid safety profile with a safety score of 77/100, which is close to the UK average of 79. The overall crime rate is 106.9 per 1,000 residents, which is higher than the national average of 91.6, reflecting its status as a major urban and tourist centre. However, the area has seen a significant 8.7% decrease in crime year-over-year, indicating a positive shift in community safety. While certain crime types remain a concern, the general trend is one of improving security. This report provides a detailed analysis of local crime patterns, helping residents and property owners understand the safety landscape and take appropriate precautions to maintain their security in this vibrant coastal town.

In Bournemouth, violence and sexual offences are the primary concern, accounting for 30.8% of all reported crime (32.9 per 1,000). This is followed by anti-social behaviour (24.2%) and shoplifting (9.3%). Property-related crime, encompassing burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, stands at a combined rate of 38.6 per 1,000 people. This is higher than the UK average property crime rate of 32.2. Specifically, shoplifting occurs at a rate of 10.0 per 1,000, while vehicle crime and burglary account for 6.8% and 3.6% of total incidents respectively. For residents and homeowners, these figures indicate that property crime is a significant factor in Bournemouth. Shoplifting and anti-social behaviour are particularly concentrated in the commercial and tourist areas, while residential properties should prioritize security against vehicle crime and burglary, especially during the night.

Bournemouth has seen a very positive trend in community safety, with an overall 8.7% decrease in crime year-over-year. Monthly data shows some seasonal volatility, with a high peak in July (11.3 per 1,000) and May and June (both around 10.0), likely coinciding with the peak tourist season. The lowest rate was recorded in January (7.8) and November (7.8). The latter part of the year saw a general decline from the summer peak. This significant reduction across the board is an excellent sign for the town, indicating that local safety initiatives and policing are proving effective. For residents, this downward trend suggests a community that is becoming increasingly secure and less prone to criminal activity.

How To Keep Safe in Bournemouth

The most frequent reports in Bournemouth are violence and sexual offences. To stay safe, it is important to be aware of your surroundings, especially in the town centre and nightlife areas. Stick to well-lit routes and avoid walking alone in isolated spots late at night. Anti-social behaviour is also a significant concern, making up 24.2% of local crime. If you encounter such behaviour, avoid confrontation and report it to the local authorities. Property crime is a persistent factor, with shoplifting, vehicle crime, and burglary all featuring in the top categories. To protect your home and vehicle, ensure all doors and windows are double-locked and no valuables are left on display. Vehicle crime is particularly common at night (48% of night-time incidents), so secure parking is highly recommended. Installing a visible security system or motion-activated lighting can act as a powerful deterrent. Reporting any suspicious activity to the local police is key to maintaining the town's downward crime trend.

Crime in Bournemouth follows distinct temporal patterns. During the morning (6am - 12pm) and afternoon (12pm - 6pm), theft-related offences are overwhelmingly common, accounting for 42% and 47% of incidents respectively. This suggests that opportunistic crimes are most frequent during daylight hours when retail and tourist activity is high. In the evening (6pm - 12am), the focus shifts towards 'other' crimes, including public order and anti-social behaviour, which make up 46% of reports. Night-time (12am - 6am) is particularly notable for vehicle crime, which accounts for a significant 48% of all incidents during these hours. Burglary also remains a consistent threat throughout the afternoon, evening, and night. These patterns highlight a clear need for daytime vigilance in commercial areas and robust overnight security to protect against vehicle crime and home invasions in residential neighbourhoods.

In a regional context, Bournemouth (106.9) is more active than its immediate suburban neighbours. Nearby Bearwood (62.4) and West Parley (31.7) have notably lower crime rates. It is also significantly busier than the very quiet rural spots of Merritown and Longham, both of which reported zero crimes. This comparison shows that while Bournemouth is a busier area due to its size and tourist appeal, it remains a relatively safe choice compared to other major UK urban centres. This context helps residents understand Bournemouth's position as a major, but increasingly secure, coastal town.

Despite the overall decreasing trend, property crime remains a significant factor in Bournemouth, with a rate of 38.6 per 1,000. Traditional security systems often only record events as they happen, providing evidence after the damage is done. For real protection, a proactive system like scOS is much more effective. scOS uses AI to monitor your property boundary and detect threats before they result in a crime. If a suspicious person or vehicle is identified, scOS can trigger an autonomous response, such as activating lights or speakers, to deter them. This 'prevention over reaction' approach is ideal for an urban area where vehicle theft and burglary are persistent risks. By choosing scOS, you are investing in intelligence that stops criminals before they can touch your property, ensuring that Bournemouth's positive safety trend continues for your home.