Bournemouth vs Poole — Crime Comparison 2026

Side-by-side crime statistics from official UK Police data.

Bournemouth

BH10 · Bournemouth

230

crimes in February 2026

Above national average

  • Violence & sexual offences60
  • Shoplifting41
  • Anti-social behaviour37

Poole

BH18 · Poole

59

crimes in February 2026

Below national average

  • Violence & sexual offences20
  • Anti-social behaviour16
  • Shoplifting5

Poole has less crime — 59 vs 230 incidents in February 2026.

What the data shows

Bournemouth recorded substantially more crime than Poole in February 2026 — 230 incidents compared to 59, a 3.9x difference. Both areas share Violence & sexual offences as their most common crime type, though Bournemouth records significantly more (60 vs 20 incidents). Bournemouth sits above the national average for recorded crime while Poole is below — a significant gap for anyone weighing up the two.

Get a detailed crime report

Full reports cover 24 months of trends, ward breakdowns, outcome rates, and a detailed safety score — from £4.99.

Get the full Bournemouth report — £4.99 Get the full Poole report — £4.99
View Bournemouth area page → View Poole area page →

Frequently asked questions

Is Bournemouth or Poole safer?

Based on February 2026 Police data, Poole recorded fewer crimes than Bournemouth — 59 vs 230 incidents. That is 74% fewer crimes. Poole is also below the national average for crime.

What are the main differences in crime between Bournemouth and Poole?

Both areas share Violence & sexual offences as their top crime category. In February 2026, Bournemouth recorded 60 incidents of this type vs 20 in Poole. Overall, Poole had fewer total crimes (59 vs 230).

Compare other areas

Bournemouth vs PooleBournemouth vs PoolePoole vs PooleBournemouth vs PooleBournemouth vs SwanageBournemouth vs Upton