Portishead Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In December 2023, Portishead recorded 135 crimes across a population of 25,417 residents, equating to a crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000—26.4% below the UK average of 7.2. This figure, while lower than the national benchmark, translates to a tangible presence for residents, with four crimes reported daily. The area's crime profile was dominated by violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 43.0% of all incidents, significantly below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 20.7%, though this category exceeded the UK rate by 18%. Shoplifting, a category typically associated with retail hubs, rose sharply to 9.6% of total crimes, reflecting the seasonal impact of Christmas shopping. The overall crime mix in Portishead contrasts with the UK pattern, where property crimes often dominate. This deviation may be attributed to the area's character as a built-up region within North Somerset, where community policing and local initiatives may contribute to lower property crime rates. However, the seasonal context of December—dark evenings, holiday-related activity, and empty homes—likely plays a role in the fluctuation of violent and anti-social offences. While the area remains comparatively safe, the upward trend in shoplifting and anti-social behaviour underscores the need for targeted interventions during peak periods. The data also highlights the importance of understanding local demographics and seasonal rhythms to inform policing strategies, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to address emerging concerns.

December 2023 saw a striking 225% increase in shoplifting, with incidents rising from four to 13. This sharp rise aligns with the Christmas shopping peak, where retail areas may attract opportunistic offenders. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 60%, dropping from five to two incidents, a decline that may reflect reduced parking activity or heightened awareness during the holiday season. Anti-social behaviour remained a significant concern, accounting for 20.7% of all crimes, slightly above the UK average of 0.9 per 1,000. This category's persistence suggests ongoing challenges in managing public spaces, particularly in areas with high pedestrian traffic. Other crime increased by 200%, from one to three incidents, a jump that could indicate underreported or newly emerging issues. These shifts in crime mix highlight the combination of seasonal factors and local conditions, requiring targeted policing and community engagement to address rising concerns.

Portishead's crime rate in December 2023 rose by 14.4% compared to November's 4.6 per 1,000, reaching 5.3 per 1,000. This increase, though modest, reflects a shift in local crime dynamics. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately four reported crimes per day, a figure that, while low, underscores the persistent need for vigilance. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 188 residents, a monthly exposure rate that contextualises the impact of crime on daily life. With a population of 25,417, this translates to a relatively low frequency of incidents compared to the UK average, yet the upward trend from the previous month suggests ongoing factors influencing local safety. The population-scaled perspective highlights that while Portishead remains below the national average, the absolute number of crimes—135—still represents a tangible presence for residents, particularly in areas with higher foot traffic or seasonal activity.