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. This category, at 3.1 per 1,000 residents, was 10% above the UK average, reflecting the area's status as a major tourist and residential hub. The presence of high foot traffic, particularly during the extended evenings associated with May's bank holidays, likely contributes to increased opportunities for such crimes. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, comprising 26.2% of all crimes and 83% above the UK average. This stark deviation may be tied to the town's mix of commercial and residential zones, where social interactions and outdoor drinking often escalate tensions. Shoplifting, at 0.9 per 1,000 residents, showed a 33.1% monthly increase, linked to the seasonal surge in retail activity and the influx of tourists. While property crimes collectively formed a significant portion of the total, the dominance of violent crimes underscores the need for targeted community engagement and policing strategies in areas with high social interaction. The seasonal context of May—characterized by longer evenings and increased outdoor socializing—likely amplifies these trends, requiring coordinated efforts to mitigate risks without compromising the area's appeal as a tourist destination.

May 2025 saw a 90% increase in theft from the person, rising from 10 to 19 incidents. This sharp rise, coupled with a 35.3% jump in robbery and a 33.1% increase in shoplifting, signals heightened vulnerability in public spaces. Anti-social behaviour remained the second most common category, 83% above the UK average, likely linked to the area's coastal appeal and extended evening activity. Bicycle theft in Bournemouth was 150% above the UK average, reflecting the presence of a cycling community and potential gaps in secure parking. Conversely, burglary fell by 15.9% compared to April, possibly due to increased police patrols or seasonal shifts in criminal activity. These fluctuations highlight the need for adaptive strategies to address both emerging and persistent crime trends.

Bournemouth's crime rate in May 2025 rose to 10.0 per 1,000 residents, marking a 14.6% increase from the previous month's 8.7. This upward trend contrasts with the UK average of 8.1, placing the area 23.5% above the national benchmark. Daily crime activity averaged 65 incidents per day, reflecting a consistent presence of criminal activity in the built-up area. Over the course of May, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 100 residents, highlighting the frequency of incidents in a population of 202,207. This monthly exposure rate underscores the need for community vigilance, particularly in areas with high foot traffic and social interaction. While the population context shows a moderate crime rate compared to the UK average, the sharp increases in specific categories like theft from the person and shoplifting suggest localized pressures that may require targeted interventions.