Bournemouth Crime Rate April 2025 | Monthly Statistics

April 2025 marked a notable shift in Bournemouth's crime profile, with the overall crime rate standing at 8.7 per 1,000 residents—13% above the UK average of 7.7. This figure reflects a combination of local factors and seasonal dynamics. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 32.2% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (24.9%) and shoplifting (7.7%). The seasonal context of April, with its Easter holidays and spring weather, likely contributed to increased outdoor activity, which may have influenced patterns in both violent and property crimes. Anti-social behaviour, in particular, saw a marked rise, with rates 65% above the UK average. This could be linked to the area's coastal resort character, where transient populations and late-night entertainment venues may amplify such incidents. Meanwhile, shoplifting rates, though lower than anti-social behaviour, still exceeded UK averages by 6%, driven by the retail presence along Bournemouth's main thoroughfares. The data suggests a need for targeted interventions during periods of high foot traffic and seasonal transitions, though further analysis would be required to confirm causal links.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in April 2025 was a 66.7% increase in drug-related crimes, rising from 24 to 40 incidents. This surge, while not uncommon during Easter weekends due to increased social gatherings, represents a significant shift in the area's crime mix. Concurrently, public order offences fell by 26.9%, potentially reflecting the seasonal dispersal of transient populations or improved policing efforts in high-traffic areas. Anti-social behaviour remained high, with rates 65% above the UK average, a figure that underscores the challenges faced by Bournemouth's nightlife districts and residential areas. Vehicle crime also saw a notable decline of 22.1%, which could be attributed to the Easter holidays reducing commuter traffic and associated opportunities for theft. Residents may find the 66.7% rise in drug-related crimes particularly concerning, as it highlights an emerging trend that warrants attention from local authorities and community groups. The interplay between these shifts—particularly the contrast between rising drug offences and falling public order incidents—illustrates the dynamic nature of Bournemouth's crime profile during transitional seasons.

Bournemouth's crime rate in April 2025 (8.7 per 1,000) represented a 2.7% decrease from March's 9.0 per 1,000, indicating a slight but measurable downward trend. Over the course of the month, this translated to approximately 59 crimes reported per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of criminal activity in a built-up area with significant tourism and retail infrastructure. On a population-scaled basis, the monthly exposure rate of 1-in-114 residents provides a tangible metric for residents to assess their risk relative to the broader population. This rate is higher than the UK average, yet the month-on-month reduction suggests that local initiatives or seasonal factors may be exerting a moderating influence. The daily crime count, while seemingly high, must be considered in the context of Bournemouth's size and economic activity—its role as a major coastal resort and commuter hub likely contributes to both the volume and diversity of crimes reported. The comparison to the previous month also highlights the volatility of crime rates in areas with transient populations, where fluctuations can be driven by temporary spikes in tourism or changes in policing strategies. These figures, while illustrative, should be viewed as part of a continuous trend analysis rather than isolated incidents.