Bournemouth Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In Bournemouth, a coastal resort with a mix of urban and tourist areas, the per-capita crime rate in October 2024 stood at 9.5 per 1,000 residents — 17.3% above the UK average of 8.1. This translates to a 1-in-105 chance of experiencing a reported crime over the course of the month, a figure that underscores the local impact of crime on daily life. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (28.9% of total incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (23.1%) and vehicle crime (8.1%). These patterns align with the area’s character as a tourist destination and commuter hub, where high foot traffic and nightlife activity may contribute to higher rates of anti-social behaviour and violent crime. Seasonal factors also played a role: with clocks going back in October, darker evenings and Halloween events may have amplified incidents of disorder and alcohol-related offences. The rate of anti-social behaviour in Bournemouth was 71% above the UK average, a disparity that could reflect the town’s reliance on tourism and the associated pressures on local infrastructure. Meanwhile, vehicle crime — often linked to commuter parking and car parks near transport hubs — remained 70% above the national average, suggesting persistent vulnerabilities in vehicle security measures. The overall crime rate, while elevated, shows a stable trend compared to the previous month, indicating that the local police and community initiatives may have had a moderating effect on the trajectory of crime.

October 2024 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with burglary increasing by 19% (79 to 94 incidents) and robbery rising by 20% (15 to 18). These increases may be tied to seasonal factors, such as the Halloween period, which can see spikes in property-related crimes. Conversely, shoplifting dropped by 26.2% (210 to 155) and bicycle theft fell by 30.8% (26 to 18), potentially reflecting heightened enforcement during the month or a shift in criminal activity towards other areas. The breakdown of crime types reveals a stark contrast between local and national trends: anti-social behaviour in Bournemouth was 71% above the UK average (2.2 vs 1.3 per 1,000), while public order offences were 11% below the national rate (0.5 vs 0.6 per 1,000). This divergence highlights the unique pressures faced by Bournemouth’s communities, particularly in areas with high concentrations of transient populations. Residents might find the 70% above-average rate for vehicle crime particularly relevant, as it suggests a need for enhanced security measures in car parks and transport hubs. The rise in 'other crime' by 50% (12 to 18) also warrants attention, as this category often includes unclassified incidents that could indicate emerging patterns or underreported issues.

Bournemouth’s crime rate in October 2024 was 9.5 per 1,000 residents, a slight decline of 1.8% compared to the previous month’s rate of 9.7. This marginal stability suggests that local policing efforts or community interventions may have had a moderating effect on crime trends. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 62 crimes per day — a figure that, while not immediately intuitive, provides a concrete sense of the pace at which incidents occur in a typical day. Over the course of the month, this translated to one reported crime for every 105 residents, a statistic that illustrates the scale of exposure for the average Bournemouth resident. When compared to the UK average, Bournemouth’s crime rate remains higher, with the local population facing a 17.3% greater risk than the national average. This disparity is amplified in specific categories: for instance, anti-social behaviour is 71% above the UK rate, a gap that could reflect the town’s reliance on tourism and the challenges of managing public spaces during peak visitor periods. However, in contrast, public order offences were 11% below the national average, due to targeted policing in areas with high foot traffic. These comparisons highlight the nuanced nature of Bournemouth’s crime profile, where certain categories are markedly elevated while others remain in line with or even below national benchmarks.