Bournemouth Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

December 2025 saw an unexpected surge in bicycle theft in Bournemouth, rising by 66.7% from 15 to 25 incidents, marking the most dramatic shift in crime patterns this month. This spike contrasts sharply with the overall crime rate of 8.2 per 1,000 residents, which is 17.1% above the UK average of 7.0. The area's built-up coastal character, with its mix of tourist infrastructure and residential zones, may have contributed to this anomaly. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 31.3% of all crimes (516 incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (20.5%, 337 incidents) and vehicle crime (9.7%, 160 incidents). The seasonal context of Christmas shopping, extended dark evenings, and holiday-related activity likely amplified certain crime types, though the bicycle theft increase defies immediate explanation. Vehicle crime remains higher than the UK average (0.8 vs 0.4 per 1,000), possibly reflecting Bournemouth's proximity to major transport routes and tourist parking areas. Anti-social behaviour, at 1.7 per 1,000, is 83% above the UK average, suggesting challenges in managing public spaces during the festive period. This data underscores the combination of seasonal rhythms and local geography in shaping crime trends.

December 2025 brought stark contrasts in Bournemouth's crime profile, with bicycle theft leaping by 66.7% to 25 incidents, the most significant single-month increase in any category. This surge, occurring alongside a 45.5% rise in robbery (11→16) and a 29.4% jump in public order offences (68→88), highlights shifting patterns during the festive season. Anti-social behaviour, already 83% above the UK average, grew further, potentially linked to increased social gatherings and crowded public spaces. Conversely, drug-related offences fell by 46.4% (56→30), a decline that may reflect temporary disruptions in supply chains during the holidays. Theft from the person dropped 33.3% (12→8), due to reduced pedestrian activity in colder weather. Vehicle crime (0.8 per 1,000) and anti-social behaviour (1.7 per 1,000) remain significantly above UK averages, underscoring persistent challenges in these areas. Residents may find the 66.7% rise in bicycle theft particularly concerning, as it suggests vulnerabilities in securing personal property during the holiday season.

Bournemouth's crime rate in December 2025 (8.2 per 1,000) represents a 5.2% increase from the previous month's rate of 7.8, reflecting a slight upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 53 crimes per day, a figure that may seem high but aligns with its status as a major coastal resort with significant tourist footfall. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 123 residents, a monthly exposure rate that provides context for residents assessing personal risk. This rate is higher than the UK average, which suggests Bournemouth's unique characteristics—such as its proximity to transport hubs, seasonal tourism peaks, and concentrated retail areas—may amplify certain crime types. The 17.1% gap between Bournemouth's rate and the UK average (7.0) highlights the area's distinct challenges, particularly in managing anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime. While daily crime counts offer a snapshot of immediate activity, the monthly exposure figure illustrates the cumulative impact of crime on the local population. This comparison reinforces the importance of localized strategies to address Bournemouth's specific vulnerabilities, such as enhanced surveillance in high-traffic zones and targeted interventions during peak holiday periods.