Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole recorded a crime rate of 6.5 per 1,000 residents in December 2025, placing it 7.1% below the UK average of 7.0 per 1,000. This improvement, while modest, reflects a combination of seasonal factors and local policing efforts. The area's most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (33.7% of total incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (19.0%) and vehicle crime (9.2%). The lower-than-average rate for violence and sexual offences (2.2 per 1,000, 14% below the UK average) may be partly explained by the area's coastal character and the presence of tourist-focused policing initiatives. However, the higher-than-average incidence of anti-social behaviour (1.2 per 1,000, 29% above the UK average) aligns with the area's dense population and the typical challenges of managing public spaces during the festive season. The seasonal context of December—marked by Christmas shopping, extended party hours, and darker evenings—likely contributes to the fluctuation in crime types, with retail and transport hubs experiencing increased pressure. The area's crime profile remains distinct from the UK average, with notable disparities in specific categories such as vehicle crime (62% above the UK average) and drugs (63% below the UK average), suggesting a combination of local demographics and national trends.

December 2025 marked a significant reduction in drug-related crimes, with a 46.2% month-on-month decrease from 78 to 42 incidents. This decline aligns with the area's generally lower UK average for drugs (0.3 per 1,000) and may reflect seasonal shifts in illicit activity. Conversely, bicycle theft surged by 69.2%, rising from 26 to 44 incidents. This increase, while notable, remains below the UK average (0.1 per 1,000) and could be linked to the festive shopping season and increased cycling during darker evenings. Vehicle crime also rose sharply by 38.1%, with 243 incidents reported—62% above the UK average. This spike may be attributed to the higher volume of holiday shoppers and the presence of multiple retail hubs in the area. Anti-social behaviour, however, fell by 15.6%, from 598 to 505 incidents, a trend that contrasts with the UK average (0.9 per 1,000) and suggests effective local interventions during the festive period.

The area's crime rate in December 2025 rose slightly to 6.5 per 1,000 residents, marking a 4.0% increase from the previous month's 6.2 per 1,000. This translates to roughly 86 crimes reported per day, a figure that, while consistent with typical December patterns, highlights the seasonal pressures of the holiday season. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 154 residents, a monthly aggregate that underscores the density of incidents relative to the population. With a population of 408,967, this rate suggests that while the area remains below the UK average, local factors such as increased retail activity and extended evening hours during the festive period may contribute to the upward trend. The 4.0% increase, though modest, contrasts with the overall 7.1% reduction compared to the UK average, illustrating a nuanced interplay between local dynamics and national trends.