Portishead Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Portishead’s crime rate in September 2023 stood at 5.0 per 1,000 residents, significantly below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000—a gap of 37.5%. This continued safety trend reflects the area’s character as a relatively low-crime built-up area within North Somerset, where community policing and local engagement appear to play a role. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (32.5% of total incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (23.0%) and public order offences (11.1%). These figures align with Portishead’s status as a coastal commuter town, where anti-social behaviour often peaks during transitional periods like the start of the academic year. The seasonal context of September—marked by back-to-school routines and university freshers—may have influenced patterns, with violent crimes remaining lower than the UK average. This could be partly attributed to the area’s smaller, tighter-knit community dynamics, where local initiatives and police presence help deter escalation. While property crimes (40 incidents) accounted for a third of all reported offences, the overall balance between violent and property crime was more evenly distributed than in many UK areas, suggesting a broader approach to crime prevention. The low rate of burglary (1 incident) and vehicle crime (5 incidents) further reinforces Portishead’s reputation as a safer place to live, though the slight uptick in criminal damage and arson warrants attention. Overall, the data illustrates a community that, despite occasional fluctuations, maintains a strong foundation for long-term safety.

September 2023 saw a marked decline in burglary, with reported incidents falling from 6 to 1—a reduction of 83.3%—the most significant drop among all crime categories. Vehicle crime also fell sharply, decreasing by 68.8% (from 16 to 5), likely reflecting heightened awareness during the transition to darker evenings. Meanwhile, violent crimes remained 42% below the UK average, with 41 incidents reported at a rate of 1.6 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common crime type, dropped by 30% compared to August, possibly due to increased community engagement around the start of the academic year. However, smaller increases were noted in other theft (+85.7%) and criminal damage and arson (+75.0%), suggesting targeted efforts may be needed in these areas. The sharp rise in 'other crime'—from 1 to 2—highlights the importance of addressing less common but still significant incidents promptly.

Portishead's crime rate in September 2023 fell to 5.0 per 1,000 residents, a 9.3% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 5.5. This decline aligns with the area’s historically low crime profile, which remains 37.5% below the UK average. Daily crime figures show 4 crimes reported each day on average, a manageable figure for a community of 25,417 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 202 residents, illustrating a relatively low monthly exposure compared to national averages. This statistic underscores the area’s consistent safety record, even during periods of seasonal transition like September, when back-to-school routines and shorter evenings may influence local activity patterns. The drop in burglary and vehicle crime—by 83.3% and 68.8% respectively—suggests ongoing effectiveness in community-focused policing strategies, though the rise in other theft and criminal damage highlights the need for continued vigilance in specific areas.