Homeowners in Portishead understandably want to assess their risk of burglary. The good news is that Portishead, located in North Somerset, currently exhibits a lower overall crime rate than the UK average. The crime rate in Portishead stands at 70.9 incidents per 1,000 residents, compared to a UK average of 91.6 incidents per 1,000. This suggests that, statistically, Portishead is a relatively safer area.
However, it’s crucial to look at specific types of crime. The property crime rate in Portishead is 20.5 incidents per 1,000 residents. While this is a key indicator for burglary risk, it doesn't tell the whole story. The population of Portishead is 25,417, meaning a relatively small number of incidents can impact the rate.
Beyond the raw numbers, Portishead boasts a safety score of 83 out of 100, which is above the UK average of 79. This score indicates a perception of safety amongst residents, suggesting that while crime does occur, it isn’t pervasive.
What can you do to assess and mitigate your risk?
- Neighbourhood Watch: Engage with local community initiatives like Neighbourhood Watch. Increased community vigilance can deter potential burglars.
- Home Security Systems: Consider installing an alarm system, CCTV cameras, or smart home security devices. These act as a visible deterrent.
- Physical Security: Ensure doors and windows have robust locks. Consider upgrading to anti-snap locks, which are more resistant to modern burglary techniques.
- Lighting: Good exterior lighting, especially motion-sensor lights, can deter burglars.
- Property Marking: Marking valuable belongings can make them less attractive to thieves and easier to identify if recovered.
- Be Mindful: Don’t leave valuables in plain sight and be cautious about who you let into your property.