Poole Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 marked a combination of stability and localised spikes in Poole's crime profile, with the overall rate of 5.2 per 1,000 residents remaining 18.8% below the UK average. This figure, though lower than national benchmarks, was accompanied by notable shifts in crime distribution. Violence and sexual offences dominated the monthly tally, accounting for 36.1% of all incidents, a proportion that was 18% below the UK average. This suggests Poole's relative safety in this category, potentially influenced by its coastal location and community-focused policing strategies. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 20.0% of reported crimes but exceeding the UK average by 21%. This discrepancy may reflect Poole's unique demographic profile, including a mix of residential and commercial areas that could contribute to higher levels of disruptive behaviour. Seasonal factors appear to have played a role in shaping these trends, with February's low outdoor activity aligning with a pre-spring lull in certain crime types, though this was offset by sharp increases in robbery and vehicle crime. The area's built-up nature, characterised by a blend of urban and coastal environments, likely influences the balance between property-related and violent crimes, with the town's retail and tourism sectors contributing to anti-social behaviour and property offences. Despite these fluctuations, Poole's crime rate remains significantly below the UK average, underscoring the effectiveness of local initiatives in maintaining public safety.

February 2026 saw a 200% increase in robbery cases, rising from 3 to 9 incidents—a stark rise that outpaces other categories. This surge, combined with an 18.4% increase in vehicle crime (49 to 58), signals a shift in criminal activity patterns that warrants attention. While anti-social behaviour remained the second-most common crime (20.0% of total incidents), it was 21% above the UK average, suggesting localised factors may be influencing this trend. Conversely, bicycle theft dropped by 53.3% (15 to 7), potentially linked to seasonal factors such as reduced outdoor activity during winter. The violence and sexual offences category (36.1% of all crimes) was 18% below the UK average, indicating Poole's relatively lower exposure to this type of crime compared to other areas. These fluctuations highlight the need for residents to stay alert to emerging risks, particularly in areas where vehicle crime and robbery have risen.

Poole's crime rate in February 2026 remained 5.2 per 1,000 residents, a 4.2% decrease from the previous month's rate of 5.5 per 1,000. This equates to roughly 27 crimes reported per day across the built-up area, which includes Poole's town centre, residential zones, and coastal areas. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 191 residents, a figure that contextualises the scale of criminal activity relative to the area's population of 145,099. While the overall rate remains below the UK average, the month-on-month decline suggests a temporary reduction in incidents, though certain crime types—such as robbery—showed significant increases. The daily crime figure provides a tangible sense of frequency, highlighting that while Poole remains generally safer than the UK average, residents should remain vigilant in high-risk areas, particularly where specific crime types have risen.