Poole Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 145,099, Poole recorded 1,061 crimes in April 2024, translating to 7.3 crimes per 1,000 residents. This rate is 5.2% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, reflecting a relatively safer environment compared to the national picture. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (31.1% of total crimes), anti-social behaviour (24.1%), and criminal damage and arson (9.1%). These patterns align with Poole’s character as a coastal town with a mix of residential areas, tourist attractions, and commercial hubs. The spring season, marked by Easter and increased outdoor activity, may have influenced the crime mix, with higher foot traffic in public spaces potentially contributing to both violent incidents and anti-social behaviour. Meanwhile, the lower-than-average rates for shoplifting (10% below UK) and vehicle crime (15% below) suggest effective policing in retail and transport corridors, though this may also reflect Poole’s relatively lower density of commercial zones compared to major urban centres. The balance between property and violent crime remains skewed towards violence, a trend consistent with coastal areas where transient populations and seasonal tourism can impact crime dynamics.

April 2024 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories. Theft from the person surged by 300% compared to March, rising from 2 to 8 incidents—a sharp increase that may reflect heightened foot traffic during Easter or targeted opportunistic behaviour in crowded areas. Similarly, possession of weapons and robbery both doubled, with 3 to 6 incidents each, though these figures remain low in absolute terms. Conversely, burglary fell by 18% (from 50 to 41), possibly linked to seasonal factors such as warmer weather reducing indoor activity or improved security measures during the Easter period. Bicycle theft also declined by 16.7% (from 12 to 10), which may be attributed to increased awareness campaigns or reduced demand during the off-peak tourist season. Anti-social behaviour, however, remained 48% above the UK average, with 256 incidents recorded—a figure that could be tied to Poole’s coastal environment, where late-night entertainment venues and seasonal events may contribute to such incidents. Shoplifting in Poole was 10% below the UK average, a contrast to the 43% above average for bicycle theft, highlighting varying success in policing different crime types within the area.

Poole’s crime rate in April 2024 (7.3 per 1,000 residents) represented a 6.7% increase from the previous month’s rate of 6.9 per 1,000.2% below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 35 crimes per day—a figure that, while not alarmingly high, underscores the need for consistent community vigilance. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 137 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is slightly lower than the UK average but still significant for a built-up area. When contextualised against Poole’s population of 145,099, the 1,061 total crimes represent a manageable but non-trivial burden on local policing resources. This rate is particularly noteworthy when compared to the national average, as Poole’s coastal location and seasonal fluctuations often create unique challenges for law enforcement. The relatively lower rates of property crime—such as shoplifting (10% below UK) and vehicle crime (15% below)—suggest that targeted interventions in commercial zones have had some success, though the persistent 48% above-average rate for anti-social behaviour indicates areas for further focus. These figures provide a clear snapshot of how Poole’s crime profile aligns with and diverges from broader UK trends, offering valuable insights for both residents and local authorities.