Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole reported a crime rate of 6.2 per 1,000 residents in January 2026, placing it 8.8% below the UK average of 6.8. This coastal area, known for its tourist attractions and retail hubs, saw violence and sexual offences dominate the crime profile, accounting for 33.1% of all incidents. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 20.3%, reflecting patterns often linked to high foot traffic in commercial districts. Seasonal factors likely play a role in these figures, as January typically sees reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours, which may dampen outdoor crime but could also drive indoor disputes or alcohol-related incidents. Shoplifting, at 9.8% of total crimes, remains a persistent concern for retailers, particularly in the town centres. While the overall rate is lower than the UK average, specific categories like anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime show marked deviations from national norms, suggesting localised challenges that may require targeted interventions. The data aligns with the area’s character as a mixed-use region with significant tourism and retail activity, which can both fuel and mitigate certain types of crime depending on the time of year.

January 2026 saw notable spikes in theft from the person, which rose 50% from 12 to 18 incidents, a troubling increase for residents and visitors. Drug-related crimes also surged by 35.7%, climbing from 42 to 57 cases, a trend that may reflect post-holiday activity or shifts in local patterns. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped by 19.8%, with incidents falling from 243 to 195, potentially linked to reduced motorist activity during colder weather. Anti-social behaviour remained 40% above the UK average, highlighting ongoing pressures in densely populated areas or venues with high transient populations. Shoplifting, though still below the UK average, increased by 21.3%, raising concerns for retailers. These figures underscore the need for vigilance in public spaces, particularly during periods of reduced outdoor activity, and suggest that targeted measures in high-risk sectors could help address these trends. Residents are advised to remain cautious in areas with known anti-social behaviour hotspots and to report suspicious activity promptly.

The crime rate in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole fell by 3.7% from 6.5 per 1,000 in December 2025 to 6.2 per 1,000 in January 2026, a slight but notable decline. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 82 crimes per day in January, a figure that, while locally relevant, lacks a direct UK-wide counterpart. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 160 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places the area in a moderate position relative to other regions. This statistic, however, does not account for variations in population density or localised hotspots. The drop in overall crime rate contrasts with the UK-wide average, where rates typically remain stable or fluctuate slightly seasonally. For residents, the 1-in-160 figure translates to a manageable but not negligible risk, particularly in areas with higher concentrations of retail or entertainment venues. The decline may also reflect the seasonal lull in tourism and retail activity, which can temporarily reduce opportunities for certain types of crime. However, the persistent elevation in categories like anti-social behaviour and shoplifting suggests that underlying issues require sustained attention.