Christchurch (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole) Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Christchurch (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole) reveal a crime rate of 52.8 per 1,000 residents over the period of Jan 2025 to Dec 2025. This figure is notably lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, suggesting a relatively safer environment compared to many areas across the country. The area also boasts a safety score of 88 out of 100, further reinforcing this perception. Importantly, crime rates have been decreasing, showing a decline of 14.5% year-on-year, indicating positive progress in crime prevention efforts within the community. Understanding these trends and the types of crimes reported is crucial for both residents and local authorities in maintaining a secure and thriving neighbourhood.

Christchurch (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole) experiences a diverse range of crime types, with violence and sexual offences being the most prevalent, accounting for 32.2% of reported incidents. These are followed by anti-social behaviour (23.8%) and shoplifting (9.9%). Criminal damage and arson represent 7.8% of crimes, while other theft accounts for 7.6%. Burglary, although present, makes up a smaller proportion at 4.9%. The prevalence of these various crime categories reflects the area’s mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, and the interactions between different demographics. The higher incidence of violence and sexual offences, compared to the UK average, warrants particular attention and community engagement initiatives. Similarly, the significant proportion of anti-social behaviour suggests a need for targeted preventative measures.

Crime rates in Christchurch (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole) have been steadily decreasing over the period from Jan 2025 to Dec 2025, demonstrating a 14.5% year-on-year reduction. This positive trend is particularly evident in the months of November and December 2025, which saw crime rates dip below the monthly average. While January 2025 recorded a monthly crime rate of 3.7 per 1,000, this figure progressively declined, reaching 3.5 per 1,000 in December 2025. This decline suggests the effectiveness of ongoing crime prevention initiatives and community engagement efforts.

How To Keep Safe in Christchurch (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole)

Given the prevalence of violence and sexual offences, it's crucial to remain vigilant in public spaces and avoid walking alone at night. Consider travelling in groups or using well-lit routes. Due to the incidence of anti-social behaviour, be mindful of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. With shoplifting being a notable concern, secure personal belongings when visiting shops and markets. Finally, be cautious of opportunistic thieves and keep valuables out of sight in public areas. Always lock your doors and windows, even when at home.

The pattern of crime in Christchurch (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole) varies throughout the day. Burglaries are most frequently reported during the afternoon and evening hours, with a slight increase in the night. Vehicle crime shows a higher prevalence during the night, highlighting a vulnerability during those hours. Theft tends to be more common during commercial hours, reflecting the increased footfall and activity. Overall, the data suggests a need for heightened vigilance during evening and nighttime periods, particularly concerning vehicle crime and burglaries.

Christchurch (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole)'s crime rate is comparatively lower than some surrounding areas. Sopley demonstrates a notably low crime rate, while Bransgore’s rate is slightly higher. Barton on Sea exhibits a more moderate level of crime, and New Milton has a significantly higher rate, at 94.3 per 1,000. These variations highlight the diverse safety profiles within the wider region and underscore the importance of localised crime prevention strategies.

Traditional CCTV systems offer a reactive approach – recording events after they've occurred. However, in Christchurch, with a crime rate of 52.8 per 1,000, proactive protection is key. scOS offers a fundamentally different approach. It uses AI to detect threats at your property boundary, watching all cameras simultaneously and verifying potential risks. For example, it can instantly identify vehicles with fake DVLA plates and recognise familiar faces, only alerting you to genuine threats. The visible presence of scOS technology acts as a powerful deterrent; most burglars make their decision within 60 seconds, and the signal of serious protection often leads them to move on. While DIY security systems have their place, scOS provides a professional-grade level of protection, preempting crime rather than simply recording it.