Bournemouth Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Bournemouth's built-up area recorded a crime rate of 11.0 per 1,000 residents in July 2024, 31% above the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This figure marks a significant deviation from the national trend, driven by a combination of seasonal factors and local characteristics. Violence and sexual offences were the most common crime type, accounting for 31.3% of all incidents (698 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (25.2%, 561 cases) and other theft (7.3%, 163 cases). These patterns align with Bournemouth's identity as a coastal resort, where tourism, festivals, and extended daylight hours contribute to higher foot traffic and associated risks. The dominance of violent crimes and anti-social behaviour is consistent with the area's summer rhythm, when nightlife venues and public spaces see increased activity. However, the stark contrast between the 122% increase in bicycle theft (34 cases) compared to the 41% decrease in theft from the person (18 cases) suggests a shift in criminal focus, possibly linked to the influx of cyclists during the summer months. Seasonal context further explains the rise in vehicle crime (159 cases, +33.6% month-on-month), which may be attributed to the higher number of cars on the road during peak tourist season. The UK average for anti-social behaviour (1.4 per 1,000) is dwarfed by Bournemouth's 2.8 per 1,000, a discrepancy likely tied to the area's high-density urban environment and the social dynamics of a resort town. While the overall rate is higher than the UK average, the breakdown shows that certain crime types—particularly public order offences—are slightly below the national benchmark, indicating a combination of local factors and broader trends.

July 2024 saw a sharp increase in bicycle theft, with 34 incidents reported—up 142.9% from 14 in June. This surge aligns with the summer season, when cycling becomes a primary mode of transport for tourists and residents alike. Concurrently, vehicle crime rose by 33.6%, likely linked to the increased presence of cars in parking areas near beaches and events. Other theft also climbed by 31.5%, reflecting a broader trend in property-related crimes. Anti-social behaviour remained the second most common crime, accounting for 25.2% of total incidents, significantly above the UK average of 1.4 per 1,000. This category's dominance may be tied to the area's high foot traffic and the social dynamics of a coastal resort. Meanwhile, public order offences fell by 8.0%, possibly due to increased policing during festivals or a shift in criminal activity to other categories. The stark contrast between bicycle theft's 122% above UK average and theft from the person's 41% below UK average illustrates the uneven distribution of crime types, with some categories experiencing spikes while others decline.

Bournemouth's crime rate in July 2024 rose to 11.0 per 1,000 residents, a 12.2% increase from June's 9.8 per 1,000. This places the area 31% above the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000, a gap that has widened over the past year. Daily crime counts averaged 72 incidents per day in July, a figure that underscores the persistent challenge of managing public safety during peak tourist season. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 91 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the frequency of incidents in a densely populated built-up area. While this rate is consistent with Bournemouth's seasonal rhythm—where summer festivals and extended daylight hours drive foot traffic and associated risks—it remains higher than the UK average for a coastal resort. The population context further illustrates the scale: with 202,207 residents, the 2,230 total crimes reported represent a significant proportion of the local population, particularly in areas with high tourist activity and vibrant nightlife.