Bournemouth Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Bournemouth's crime profile in April 2023 reflected a combination of seasonal and local factors, with an overall crime rate of 8.0 per 1,000 residents—6.7% above the UK average. Violence and sexual offences (32.7% of total crimes) and anti-social behaviour (23.7%) dominated the breakdown, aligning with patterns typical of a coastal built-up area with high foot traffic and seasonal events. The Easter period and spring weather likely influenced activity, as outdoor spaces became more accessible and events like Easter markets may have drawn crowds, potentially contributing to anti-social incidents. However, the area's crime profile also showed contrasts: while property crimes (546) and violent crimes (527) were nearly equal, theft from the person and bicycle theft were low, due to increased security measures or seasonal inactivity. Public order offences, at 0.6 per 1,000, were 6% below the UK average, suggesting local policing efforts or community initiatives may have had a mitigating effect. The data underscores Bournemouth's position as a coastal hub where retail and tourism drive certain crime types, while others—like drug offences—show volatility tied to broader societal trends. This month's figures, though stable compared to March, highlight the need for targeted strategies to address anti-social behaviour and drug-related activity, which remain significantly above national averages.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in April 2023 was a 100% rise in possession of weapons offences, with incidents increasing from 3 to 6. This spike, though small in absolute terms, raises questions about local dynamics and may reflect heightened tensions or unreported activity. Concurrently, drug-related crimes rose by 53.3% (15 to 23), potentially linked to seasonal transitions or increased outdoor activity during the Easter period. In contrast, bicycle theft fell by 33.3% (15 to 10), due to reduced cycling during colder spring weather or improved security measures. Anti-social behaviour remained a persistent issue, 61% above the UK average, while public order offences were 6% below the national rate. These shifts highlight the uneven nature of crime in Bournemouth, where certain categories—like anti-social behaviour—continue to outpace national trends, while others show unexpected declines.

Bournemouth's crime rate in April 2023 remained stable compared to March, with a 1.3% increase from 7.9 to 8.0 per 1,000 residents. This consistency suggests no major disruptions in local crime trends during the month. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately 54 reported crimes each day, reflecting the volume of incidents over the 30-day period. This rate translates to one reported crime for every 125 residents over the course of the month, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for local residents. When compared to the UK average, Bournemouth's rate is 6.7% higher, but the stability between months indicates that this gap has not widened significantly. The population context—202,207 residents—means that even small shifts in crime numbers can have a noticeable impact on community perception, though the overall rate remains within a range typical for a built-up coastal area.