Portishead Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Portishead's August 2023 crime rate of 5.5 per 1,000 residents marked a 32.1% deficit compared to the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, highlighting the area's generally low crime profile. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 31.7% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (18.7%) and public order issues (14.4%). The town's coastal character, combined with its role as a tourist destination, likely influences these patterns, as August is a peak holiday month when seasonal rhythms—such as increased foot traffic, empty homes, and extended evening hours—can amplify certain risks. Public order offences, at 0.8 per 1,000, stood out as the most significant outlier, being 33% above the UK average. This discrepancy may be partly explained by the town's proximity to the M5 motorway and its appeal to both residents and visitors, which can create environments where disputes or unruly behaviour are more common. Meanwhile, property crimes such as burglary and vehicle crime saw notable increases, though these remain relatively low compared to the UK average. The data also shows that shoplifting rose sharply, potentially linked to the influx of holidaymakers and the presence of retail hubs. Despite these spikes, the overall crime rate remains well below national levels, suggesting that Portishead's community policing and local initiatives may be effective in mitigating broader risks.

August 2023 saw a 500% surge in burglary, with 6 incidents reported—up from 1 in July. This increase aligns with seasonal trends, as August is a peak holiday month when second homes are often unoccupied, potentially creating vulnerabilities. Vehicle crime also rose sharply, with a 220% increase to 16 incidents, likely linked to the town's coastal location and increased traffic during the summer. Shoplifting rose by 140%, from 5 to 12 cases, possibly due to higher foot traffic in retail areas during the holiday season. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 55.6%, from 9 to 4 cases, suggesting a reduction in anti-social behaviour during the month. Public order offences, at 0.8 per 1,000, were 33% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000, a disparity that may reflect the town's mix of tourist and residential areas, where interactions between locals and visitors can sometimes lead to conflicts.

Portishead's crime rate in August 2023 rose 33.7% compared to the previous month, reaching 5.5 per 1,000 residents from 4.1 per 1,000 in July. This increase, though modest, reflects a shift in crime patterns during the summer holiday season. On average, 4 crimes were reported daily in August, a figure that, while low, underscores the presence of persistent local issues. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 183 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Portishead well below the UK average when scaled to its population. The local context—characterised by a mix of residential communities and tourist attractions—means that even small increases can be significant when viewed through the lens of community safety. The population of 25,417 further contextualises these numbers, showing that while crime is rare on an individual level, the concentration of certain offences, such as public order issues, can create distinct challenges in specific areas of the town.