Bournemouth Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Bournemouth’s crime rate for February 2026 stood at 8.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 31.2% above the UK average of 6.4. This disparity reflects a combination of local factors, including the area’s status as a coastal resort with a high concentration of public spaces and retail activity. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 30.9% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (23.2%) and shoplifting (11.1%). These figures align with the seasonal context of February — a winter month marked by low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull — which may have influenced the persistence of indoor crimes such as violence and anti-social behaviour. The UK comparison is particularly striking for anti-social behaviour, which was 120% above the national average. This could be attributed to Bournemouth’s tourism-driven economy, where crowded public spaces and transient populations may amplify such incidents. Similarly, shoplifting’s 55% increase above the UK average likely reflects the town’s high street retail presence, which remains a magnet for opportunistic theft despite the colder weather. Conversely, bicycle theft — typically a summer concern — was 150% above the UK average, suggesting a unique local pattern that may require further investigation. The overall rate, however, underscores a broader challenge: Bournemouth’s built-up area, with its mix of residential, commercial, and tourist zones, appears to experience crime trends that diverge significantly from the national norm. This divergence may be partly explained by the area’s demographic profile, which includes a significant proportion of younger residents and visitors, who may be more likely to engage in or be affected by certain types of crime.

February saw sharp increases in public order offences (+50.8%) and possession of weapons (+100%), with the latter rising from six to 12 incidents. These spikes contrast with declines in vehicle crime (-20.5%) and bicycle theft (-6.7%), though the latter’s drop was minimal. Anti-social behaviour, which accounts for 23.2% of all crimes, remained 120% above the UK average, a discrepancy that may reflect Bournemouth’s coastal tourism infrastructure and high foot traffic in public spaces. Meanwhile, shoplifting rose 55% above the UK average, likely tied to retail activity in the town’s high streets. The only category below the UK average was drugs offences, which fell 13% — a possible indicator of effective local policing in this area. For residents, the 50.8% surge in public order offences offers a concrete warning: increased vigilance in crowded areas may be necessary as the month progressed.

Bournemouth's crime rate in February 2026 rose to 8.4 per 1,000 residents, a 13.6% increase from the previous month’s rate of 7.4. This shift places the area 31.2% above the UK average, a gap that has widened over recent months. Daily crime activity averaged 61 incidents per day, reflecting a persistent demand on local policing resources. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 119 residents — a figure that, while not directly comparable to national aggregates, underscores the density of incidents in this built-up area. The population context further highlights the challenge: with 202,207 residents, even relatively low rates translate to significant absolute numbers. For instance, anti-social behaviour alone accounted for 395 incidents, far exceeding the UK average. This suggests that local factors — such as the town’s mix of tourist attractions and residential areas — may contribute to patterns distinct from the national trend.