Bournemouth Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Bournemouth's crime rate in September 2024 stood at 9.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 26% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This marks a continuation of elevated crime levels compared to the national benchmark, though the area has seen a notable decline in violent crime over recent months. The breakdown of reported crimes reveals a stark contrast between violent and property-related offences: violence and sexual offences accounted for 27.2% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour at 23.1%. These figures align with Bournemouth's character as a coastal town with a mix of urban and tourist-centric areas, where high foot traffic and seasonal transitions can influence crime patterns. September, a month marked by the return to school and university freshers, often sees increased activity in public spaces, which may contribute to higher rates of anti-social behaviour and property crime. The rise in shoplifting—up 22.8% compared to August—suggests a possible link to the start of the academic term, with students and tourists potentially targeting retail areas. Meanwhile, the relatively low rate of theft from the person (38% below the UK average) may reflect the effectiveness of local policing in high-traffic zones. Despite these challenges, Bournemouth's overall crime rate remains a critical concern for residents, requiring sustained attention from local authorities and community initiatives.

September 2024 saw significant increases in three key crime categories, raising concerns for residents. Drug-related offences surged by 46.2%, from 26 to 38 incidents, marking the most dramatic rise across all categories. This spike may reflect heightened activity in areas with nightlife or public transport hubs, though further analysis is needed to confirm patterns. Vehicle crime also climbed sharply, with a 28.4% increase to 190 reported incidents—100% above the UK average. This trend could be linked to the influx of students and tourists during the freshers' period, who may leave vehicles unattended in crowded areas. Shoplifting rose by 22.8% to 210 cases, likely tied to increased foot traffic in retail districts during the start of the academic term. Conversely, public order offences fell by 29.5% to 103 incidents, due to targeted policing efforts or the natural decline in summer-related disturbances. Violence and sexual offences, however, dropped by 28.5% to 534 cases, a welcome but unexpected decrease that may reflect the impact of seasonal changes and the reduction in evening events. Anti-social behaviour remains a persistent issue, with Bournemouth’s rate 97% above the UK average, highlighting the need for continued community engagement and enforcement in high-risk areas.

Bournemouth's crime rate in September 2024 (9.7 per 1,000 residents) was a 14.2% decrease from the previous month's rate of 11.3 per 1,000, indicating a short-term decline in overall criminal activity. However, this reduction does not bring the area in line with the UK average, which remains 7.7 per 1,000. On a daily basis, Bournemouth recorded approximately 65 crimes per day in September, a figure that underscores the ongoing need for vigilance in the built-up area. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure rate of 1-in-103 residents experiencing a crime illustrates the tangible impact of crime on local communities. This statistic, while slightly lower than the previous month, still reflects a higher-than-average burden compared to the national context. The contrast between Bournemouth’s crime profile and the UK average is particularly stark in categories like anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime, where the town’s rates are significantly elevated. These discrepancies highlight the unique challenges faced by Bournemouth due to its coastal location, tourist appeal, and demographic mix, which may contribute to distinct crime patterns. While the month-on-month decline offers some reassurance, the persistent gap between local and national rates suggests that targeted interventions and community-based strategies will remain essential in the coming months.