Poole Crime Rate

Poole presents a reassuring statistical profile for residents and visitors alike. With an overall crime rate of 71.2 per 1,000 people, the area sits comfortably below the UK average of 91.7. This positive standing is further reflected in its safety score of 84/100, which surpasses the national benchmark of 79. Most encouragingly, the crime trend in Poole is currently decreasing, showing a substantial 13.5% reduction year-over-year. This downward trajectory suggests that local safety initiatives and community vigilance are proving effective. While urban challenges remain, particularly in the town centre, the data indicates that Poole is becoming a progressively safer environment within the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole region.

Crime in Poole

Poole's crime profile is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 33.0% of all reported incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour at 25.9%. Shoplifting is the third most frequent category, representing 8.6% of the total. When looking at property-related crime—a category that includes burglary, vehicle crime, theft, and criminal damage—the rate stands at 23.7 per 1,000 residents. This is notably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.3, suggesting that while urban issues persist, the risk to physical assets is relatively moderated. For residents, this means that while personal safety and community conduct are the primary concerns for local policing, maintaining vigilance against theft and vehicle-related offences remains a practical necessity to keep these figures below the national baseline.

Crime Trends in Poole

The latest data for Poole shows a very positive trend, with total crime decreasing by 13.5% year-over-year. A month-by-month analysis of the crime rate per 1,000 residents highlights this steady performance. The year began with relatively low rates, dipping to 5.4 and 5.5 in early 2025. A notable peak occurred in July 2025, where the rate rose to 7.5, which is typical for coastal areas experiencing higher summer tourism and footfall. However, the rates quickly stabilised, returning to 5.2 and 5.3 by the end of the period in October and November 2025. This overall reduction suggests that the area is not only maintaining its safety but actively improving. For residents, this downward trend provides confidence that local law enforcement and community safety measures are successfully curbing criminal activity across the town.

How To Keep Safe in Poole

The most prevalent crime in Poole is violence and sexual offences, often linked to the town's busy commercial and nightlife areas. To enhance your personal safety, maintain a high level of situational awareness, particularly when walking through the town centre or near transport hubs during late hours. It is advisable to stick to well-lit, populated routes and avoid shortcuts through isolated parks or alleyways.

When socialising, keep your belongings secure and stay with your group where possible. If you feel uncomfortable or followed, head towards a busy shop or a 'Safe Space' if available. For property owners, the 23.7 per 1,000 property crime rate highlights the need for consistent home security. Ensure all windows and doors are locked even when you are inside, and consider installing motion-activated lighting around the perimeter of your home. Registering high-value items on national databases can also assist in recovery and act as a deterrent to potential thieves.

Analysis of crime timing in Poole reveals distinct patterns throughout the day. The afternoon is a peak period for theft-related offences, which make up 44% of crimes during this window, likely coinciding with high footfall in retail areas. As the day transitions into evening, 'other' crime types, including anti-social behaviour, become more prominent, accounting for 50% of reports as nightlife and social activity increase. The night-time hours bring a shift in risk, with vehicle crime reaching its highest proportion at 38%. This suggests that while personal safety is a daytime and evening focus, property and vehicle security are paramount overnight. Morning hours are relatively quieter but still see significant theft activity (41%) as businesses open. Understanding these cycles allows residents to adjust their vigilance, ensuring vehicles are particularly secure at night and being mindful of personal belongings during busy afternoon shopping hours.

When examining the wider region, Poole's crime rate of 71.2 per 1,000 people provides important context. It is significantly safer than nearby Bournemouth, which experiences a much higher rate of 106.9. However, Poole does have more reported crime than its smaller suburban neighbours. For instance, Merley is notably quieter with a rate of 26.2, and Upton (Dorset) also reports lower figures at 40.6. Bearwood sits closer to Poole's profile with a rate of 64.0. For those considering the area, Poole offers a balance between the high-activity urban environment of Bournemouth and the quieter residential pockets like Merley, maintaining a safety score that remains highly competitive for a town of its size.

With a property crime rate of 23.7 per 1,000 in Poole, protecting your home requires a shift from reactive to proactive measures. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or doorbell cameras, are often limited to recording events as they happen, providing footage of a crime only after the damage is done. In an area where vehicle crime and burglary still occur, the goal should be prevention. The scOS artificial intelligence operating system represents this shift by monitoring all your cameras simultaneously to identify threats at the property boundary. By using pattern learning to distinguish between a delivery driver and a potential intruder, scOS can activate autonomous responses—such as engaging lights or speakers—to destroy the element of surprise. This proactive deterrence is essential because most burglars make a decision within 60 seconds; if they see a property is actively defended by an intelligent system, they are far more likely to move on, keeping your home and family safe from the outset.