Portishead Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In November 2024, Portishead recorded a crime rate of 6.1 per 1,000 residents, 19.7% below the UK average of 7.6. This translates to a daily risk of roughly 5 crimes per day for the area’s 25,417 residents. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 40.3% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (14.9%) and shoplifting (13.0%). The seasonal context of November—marked by Bonfire Night, Black Friday shopping, and shorter evenings—likely influenced these patterns. For instance, the spike in shoplifting (0.8 per 1,000) may reflect increased retail activity during the festive season, though this rate remains 16% above the UK average for the category. Conversely, violent crime in Portishead (2.4 per 1,000) is 7% below the UK average, suggesting a relatively safer environment for personal safety compared to the national picture. The area’s low burglary rate (0.2 per 1,000) and minimal theft from the person (0.0 per 1,000) may reflect its character as a coastal commuter town with limited nightlife and tourist activity, factors that typically correlate with lower rates of property crime and personal theft. However, the sharp rise in bicycle theft (from 0 to 1 case) during the month highlights the need for vigilance in securing personal property, even in areas with generally low crime rates.

November 2024 saw a 100% increase in bicycle theft, with one reported case compared to none in October. This jump, though small in absolute terms, may reflect seasonal factors such as increased cycling during darker evenings or the timing of local events. Conversely, anti-social behaviour dropped by 32.4% (from 34 to 23 cases), potentially linked to the post-Christmas holiday period or local initiatives addressing public order. Criminal damage and arson fell by 40% (from 15 to 9 cases), a decline consistent with the typically calmer November period compared to summer months when vandalism is more common. Portishead’s rate for violence and sexual offences (2.4 per 1,000) remains 7% below the UK average, a consistent trend that may reflect the area’s relatively quiet nature and limited nightlife. However, shoplifting (0.8 per 1,000) is 16% above the UK average, highlighting the need for retailers to maintain security measures during peak shopping periods like Black Friday. For residents, the most immediate takeaway is that while overall crime remains low, targeted vigilance—particularly for personal property and seasonal retail activity—remains important.

Portishead’s crime rate in November 2024 (6.1 per 1,000) marks a 14.4% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 7.1, indicating a downward trend in local crime. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly 5 crimes per day, a figure that, while low, underscores the ongoing need for community awareness. Over the course of the month, 1 reported crime occurred for every 165 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than many UK areas. This statistic illustrates that, for the average Portishead resident, the likelihood of encountering crime is minimal compared to the national average. The population context further reinforces this: with 25,417 residents, the area’s relatively small size and coastal commuter town character likely contribute to its lower crime rates. For example, the absence of a large student population or bustling nightlife reduces the risk of certain crime types like burglary or theft from the person. However, the 100% increase in bicycle theft highlights that even in low-crime areas, specific vulnerabilities—such as unsecured bikes during darker evenings—can emerge. This contrast between overall safety and niche risks is a key takeaway for residents and local authorities alike.