Bournemouth Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Bournemouth's crime profile in May 2025, accounting for 31% of all reported incidents—3.1 per 1,000 residents, 10% above the UK average. This category's prominence aligns with the area's character as a coastal town with a vibrant nightlife and high foot traffic in the town centre. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, with 530 incidents reported (2.6 per 1,000 residents)—83% above the UK average. This figure is consistent with Bournemouth's reputation as a tourist destination, where transient populations and extended evening hours may contribute to higher levels of disorder. Shoplifting also featured prominently, with 181 incidents recorded (0.9 per 1,000 residents), 34% above the UK average. The seasonal context of May—characterised by longer evenings, bank holidays, and increased outdoor socialising—likely contributes to these trends. The area's retail presence, particularly in the Eastbourne and Boscombe areas, creates conditions conducive to property crime. Meanwhile, the 23.5% gap between Bournemouth's crime rate (10.0 per 1,000) and the UK average (8.1 per 1,000) suggests systemic challenges that may require targeted interventions. The balance between violent and property crimes in May reflects a combination of factors, including the area's demographic mix, economic activity, and policing strategies. As the weather warms and tourist seasons begin, local authorities may need to adjust resources to address both immediate and long-term crime prevention needs.

May 2025 saw a significant surge in shoplifting, with reported incidents rising by 33.1% from 136 to 181. This increase aligns with Bournemouth's status as a major retail destination, particularly during the spring season when tourist activity intensifies. Concurrently, theft from the person rose by 90% (from 10 to 19), a shift that may reflect changes in pedestrian traffic patterns or increased opportunities in crowded public spaces. In contrast, burglary fell by 15.9% (from 69 to 58), a decrease that could be attributed to heightened police patrols or seasonal adjustments in property crime dynamics. Anti-social behaviour remained elevated, with 530 incidents reported—83% above the UK average. This category's prominence underscores the impact of public spaces in Bournemouth, where high foot traffic and late-night activity may contribute to persistent disorder. Residents may find the 33% increase in shoplifting particularly concerning, given its direct link to local commerce and tourism.

Bournemouth's crime rate in May 2025 rose to 10.0 per 1,000 residents, marking a 14.6% increase from April's 8.7 per 1,000. This places the area 23.5% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 65 crimes per day over the 31-day period, reflecting a persistent demand on local policing resources. When considering the population context, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 100 residents during the month—a figure that, while concerning, highlights the need for community-focused interventions. This monthly exposure rate is consistent with Bournemouth's position as a coastal town with a mix of tourist attractions, retail hubs, and residential areas, all of which contribute to a combination of crime drivers. The increase from April suggests seasonal factors, such as the extension of daylight hours and the proliferation of outdoor social events, may have influenced crime patterns in the area.