Portishead Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Portishead's October 2023 crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 residents places the area 33.8% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, a significant contrast that highlights its generally safer profile compared to national trends. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (accounting for 38.8% of all incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (20.9%) and shoplifting (8.2%). This distribution aligns with patterns often seen in coastal towns, where public spaces and seasonal events like Halloween may influence crime dynamics. The darker evenings of October, coupled with the transition to British Summer Time, could have contributed to increased visibility of certain offences, though the overall rate remains lower than the UK average. Violent crimes, while still the largest category, are 22% below the UK average, a statistic that may reflect the area's community-focused policing strategies or lower population density. However, the seasonal context—particularly the timing of Halloween—may have temporarily influenced crime patterns, with increased foot traffic and events creating opportunities for anti-social behaviour or theft. The lower rates of property crimes, such as burglary (0.1 per 1,000) and vehicle crime (0.2 per 1,000), compared to UK averages, further reinforce the area's relative safety, though the sharp rise in 'other crime' later in the month warrants closer examination.

October 2023 saw a 200% increase in 'other crime' cases, rising from two to six incidents, a shift that may indicate emerging patterns or unaddressed vulnerabilities. Burglary also doubled, with one additional incident reported, while possession of weapons rose from zero to one, a concerning spike in potentially serious offences. In contrast, other theft and public order offences decreased by 38.5% and 28.6% respectively, suggesting some areas of relative stability. The breakdown of crime types reveals that violence and sexual offences, at 2.1 per 1,000, remain 22% below the UK average, a trend consistent with Portishead's generally lower crime profile. However, the sharp rise in 'other crime' and burglary underscores the need for residents to remain alert, particularly in areas where these incidents occurred.

Portishead's October 2023 crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 residents marks a 6.2% increase from September's 5.0 per 1,000, reflecting a slight upward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately four reported crimes per day over the month, a figure that, while relatively low, underscores the need for continued vigilance. When viewed through the lens of population, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for roughly every 190 residents, a statistic that highlights the frequency of incidents within a local context. This rate remains significantly lower than the UK average, but the rise in specific crime categories, such as 'other crime' and burglary, suggests areas requiring targeted attention. The comparison to the previous month also reveals a shift in crime patterns, with certain categories showing marked increases that may warrant further exploration in future reports.