Bournemouth vs Poole — Crime Comparison 2026

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

Bournemouth

BH7 · Bournemouth

262

crimes in February 2026

Above national average

  • Violence & sexual offences95
  • Anti-social behaviour69
  • Vehicle crime16

Poole

BH13 · Poole

69

crimes in February 2026

Below national average

  • Violence & sexual offences36
  • Anti-social behaviour12
  • Vehicle crime7

Poole has less crime — 69 vs 262 incidents in February 2026.

What the data shows

Bournemouth recorded substantially more crime than Poole in February 2026 — 262 incidents compared to 69, a 3.8x difference. Both areas share Violence & sexual offences as their most common crime type, though Bournemouth records significantly more (95 vs 36 incidents). Bournemouth sits above the national average for recorded crime while Poole is below — a significant gap for anyone weighing up the two.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Bournemouth or Poole safer?

Based on February 2026 Police data, Poole recorded fewer crimes than Bournemouth — 69 vs 262 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 95 incidents of this type vs 36 in Poole. Overall, Poole had fewer total crimes (69 vs 262).

Compare other areas

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