Side-by-side crime statistics from official UK Police data.
BH5 · Bournemouth
274
crimes in February 2026
Above national average
BH12 · Poole
218
crimes in February 2026
Above national average
Poole has less crime — 218 vs 274 incidents in February 2026.
Bournemouth saw somewhat more crime than Poole in February 2026 (274 vs 218 incidents). The crime profiles diverge meaningfully: Bournemouth sees higher rates of Criminal damage & arson (22), while Poole has more Shoplifting (41). Both areas are above the national average for recorded crime; the full 24-month reports break down the trends and outcomes in detail.
Full reports cover 24 months of trends, ward breakdowns, outcome rates, and a detailed safety score — from £4.99.
Based on February 2026 Police data, Poole recorded fewer crimes than Bournemouth — 218 vs 274 incidents. That is 20% fewer crimes. Bournemouth is above the national average.
The main difference lies in crime type. In February 2026, Bournemouth saw higher rates of Criminal damage & arson while Poole had more Shoplifting. Overall, Poole recorded fewer total crimes (218 vs 274).