Bournemouth Crime Rate September 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Bournemouth's overall crime rate in September 2025 reached 8.1 per 1,000 residents, marking a 9.5% increase above the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000. This figure underscores a persistent challenge for the area, particularly given its coastal resort character and the influx of students and tourists during the university term. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (32.0% of total), anti-social behaviour (23.6%), and shoplifting (11.0%). These patterns align with Bournemouth's role as a major tourist destination and a hub for higher education, where high foot traffic and nightlife activity contribute to elevated levels of violence and anti-social behaviour. The seasonal context of September—marked by the return of students to universities and the transition from summer to autumn—likely exacerbates these trends, with increased social interactions and late-night activity potentially driving both violent and property crimes. However, the data also reveals some positive trends, such as a 27.9% decrease in anti-social behaviour compared to the previous month, which may be attributed to the reduced intensity of summer events and the shift in local rhythms as the academic year begins. Despite these fluctuations, the area's crime profile remains significantly higher than the UK average in several key categories, necessitating sustained community engagement and policing efforts to address these persistent challenges.

September 2025 saw a 35.3% increase in shoplifting, with reported cases rising from 133 to 180. This surge aligns with the start of the university term and increased foot traffic in retail areas, suggesting a direct link between seasonal activity and property crime. Concurrently, drug-related offences rose by 20.5%, with 47 reported incidents compared to 39 the previous month. This increase may reflect heightened social interactions during the freshers' period. In contrast, anti-social behaviour dropped by 27.9%, from 535 to 386, potentially due to the transition from summer to autumn, with fewer outdoor events. Anti-social behaviour remains 62% above the UK average, underscoring a persistent challenge for local authorities. Residents are advised to remain vigilant in areas with high concentrations of retail and university premises, where shoplifting and drug-related incidents are most prevalent.

Bournemouth's crime rate in September 2025 stood at 8.1 per 1,000 residents, a 14.9% decrease from the previous month's rate of 9.5 per 1,000. This monthly decline contrasts with the area's 9.5% above UK average rate, highlighting a combination of local trends and national benchmarks. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 55 crimes per day, reflecting the persistent presence of criminal activity despite the month-on-month drop. Over the course of September, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 123 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for local residents. When compared to the UK average, Bournemouth's rate remains elevated, particularly in categories like anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, which are 62% and 48% above national averages respectively. This suggests that while the overall trend is downward, specific crime types continue to outpace national norms, requiring targeted local responses.