Portishead Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Portishead

Portishead records an overall crime rate of 71.2 per 1,000 people per year, which positions it as a significantly safer area compared to the UK national average of 93.4 per 1,000. With an impressive safety score of 83 out of 100, Portishead surpasses the UK average safety score of 78, indicating a generally secure environment for its residents. However, recent trends show an increasing crime rate, with a 7.9% rise year-over-year. This upward trend suggests a need for awareness regarding the evolving crime landscape within the area, despite its current favourable standing.

Crime Type Analysis in Portishead

An examination of crime types in Portishead reveals that violence and sexual offences are the most common incidents, accounting for 730 crimes (28.7 per 1,000 people, 40.3% of the total). Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent, with 310 incidents (12.2 per 1,000, 17.1%), followed by public order offences, totalling 168 crimes (6.6 per 1,000, 9.3%). These three categories represent the primary concerns for the community.

Property-related crime, which includes burglary, robbery, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at a rate of 21.2 per 1,000 people in Portishead. This figure is considerably lower than the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000. Specific property crime statistics show 154 shoplifting offences, 136 criminal damage and arson incidents, 116 other theft cases, 55 vehicle crimes, and 52 burglaries. The lower property crime rate generally translates to reduced risks for residents and homeowners regarding their assets.

Crime Trends in Portishead

Portishead has experienced an increasing crime trend over the last year, with a 7.9% rise in total crimes year-over-year. This upward movement suggests a shift in the local crime environment. Monthly trend data indicates fluctuations, with crime rates per 1,000 people showing a low of 4.8 in December 2024 and highs of 7.1 in October 2024 and 6.9 in August 2025. The rate also saw an increase to 6.7 in May 2025 before settling at 6.3 in September 2025. For residents, this trend highlights the importance of staying informed about local safety measures and being aware of the changing crime patterns in the area.

Crime Time Patterns in Portishead

In Portishead, crime patterns exhibit variations throughout the day. During morning hours (6am-12pm), theft is the most significant concern, making up 47% of incidents, with burglary at 9% and vehicle crime at 11%. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees theft rise further to 51%, while burglary is 16%. In the evening (6pm-12am), 'other' crime types dominate at 55%, alongside 20% theft and 14% burglary, indicating a shift in criminal activity. Night-time (12am-6am) shows vehicle crime at 30% and burglary at 19%, with 'other' crimes still substantial at 40%. These patterns suggest that property and vehicle security are particularly important at specific times.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

To contextualise Portishead's crime statistics, it is beneficial to compare them with nearby built-up areas. Portishead's overall crime rate of 71.2 per 1,000 is lower than that of Avonmouth, which typically experiences higher crime rates due to its industrial and transport links. When compared to more rural or smaller settlements like Clapton in Gordano and Stone-edge Batch, Portishead's figures are generally higher, reflecting its larger population and urban characteristics. West Hill (North Somerset) also provides a point of comparison, with Portishead maintaining a relatively moderate crime profile within its immediate vicinity. This comparison helps residents understand Portishead's position in the regional safety landscape.

Protecting Your Property in Portishead

Understanding the crime statistics for Portishead, particularly the property crime rate of 21.2 per 1,000 people, which is lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000, highlights the importance of robust home security. Traditional security systems often provide reactive measures, such as recording incidents after they have occurred. While useful for evidence, this approach does not prevent the crime itself.

For residents seeking to proactively safeguard their homes, advanced security solutions offer a significant advantage. Systems like scOS utilise AI-powered technology to detect threats at your property's boundary, aiming to prevent crime before it escalates to a break-in. This contrasts sharply with cameras that merely record a burglary in progress, offering footage rather than prevention.

The effectiveness of a professional-grade security system lies in its ability to deter potential intruders. With features such as multi-camera intelligence, DVLA vehicle verification, and pattern learning, scOS can distinguish between routine activities and genuine threats, providing alerts only when necessary. An autonomous response, including activating lights and engaging speakers, can destroy the element of surprise, often causing burglars to abandon their intentions within the critical 60-second decision window. While DIY systems have their place, a professional setup signals serious protection, offering a proactive defence against property-related offences in Portishead.