Bournemouth Crime Rate June 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Bournemouth's crime profile in June 2024 reveals a combination of local and national trends, with the area's crime rate of 9.8 per 1,000 residents placing it 19.5% above the UK average. This figure underscores a persistent challenge for local authorities, particularly given the area's status as a coastal resort and built-up district within Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (31.3% of total incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (25.9%), both of which exceeded UK averages by significant margins. This dominance of violent and anti-social crimes contrasts with the relatively lower rates of burglary and vehicle crime, which were 33% above the UK average but still lower than the top categories. The seasonal context of June—marking the beginning of summer and the tourism season—may contribute to the rise in violence and anti-social behaviour, as increased foot traffic and social gatherings in public spaces create environments conducive to such crimes. However, the data also shows that property crimes, particularly shoplifting and burglary, remain a consistent threat, likely driven by the retail presence in the area. The balance between violent and property crime suggests that local factors, such as the mix of residential and commercial zones, and the influx of tourists during the summer months, may be shaping the crime profile. This snapshot highlights the need for targeted interventions that address both the immediate concerns of residents and the broader seasonal dynamics affecting the area.

June 2024 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with public order offences rising by 34% compared to May, reaching 138 incidents. This increase aligns with the start of the summer season, when public spaces in Bournemouth's coastal and urban areas may see heightened activity. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 41.7%, a decline that could reflect improved security measures or seasonal changes in cycling patterns. The balance between property and violent crime remained tightly contested, with violent crimes (622) accounting for 31.3% of total incidents and property crimes (653) closely following. This near-parity suggests a combination of factors, including the influence of tourism and nightlife on violent crime, and retail activity on property crime. Anti-social behaviour, the most common category, was 79% above the UK average, highlighting a localised challenge that may stem from the area's mix of residential and commercial zones. These figures provide actionable insights for residents and local authorities to address specific crime trends.

Bournemouth's crime rate in June 2024 fell by 4.6% compared to May's rate of 10.3 per 1,000 residents, reflecting a slight decline in overall criminal activity. This monthly drop aligns with the start of summer, when increased daylight and tourist activity may reduce opportunities for certain crimes. Locally, 66 crimes were reported per day in June, a figure that underscores the persistent presence of criminal activity despite the seasonal shift. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 102 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places the area within a range typical for a coastal built-up area. While this rate is higher than the UK average, the directional change from May to June suggests potential stabilisation in policing efforts or community engagement initiatives. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Bournemouth’s residents face a slightly higher risk of crime compared to the UK average, but the month-on-month reduction indicates a possible trend towards lower overall criminality. This context helps residents and policymakers gauge the relative safety of the area within a broader national framework.