Portishead Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Portishead’s overall crime rate in September 2024 stood at 5.7 per 1,000 residents, a figure that is 26% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This performance places the area among the safer built-up areas in the country, though the crime profile reflects a combination of local factors and seasonal patterns. Violence and sexual offences accounted for the largest share of reported crimes (34.7%), followed by anti-social behaviour (16.0%) and public order incidents (11.1%). These figures suggest a focus on interpersonal conflicts and disorderly conduct, which may be influenced by the town’s proximity to Bristol and its role as a commuter hub. The seasonal context of September—marked by the start of the academic year and the end of the summer tourist season—likely contributed to shifts in crime patterns. For example, the decline in shoplifting and anti-social behaviour may be linked to reduced foot traffic in retail areas as students and tourists return to their regular routines. However, the persistent presence of public order offences and violent crimes indicates that challenges in community engagement and policing remain. The relatively low crime rate, combined with the specific emphasis on violent and disorderly incidents, suggests that Portishead’s safety is underpinned by both effective local initiatives and the natural dynamics of a town with limited industrial activity and a strong retail and commuter presence.

September 2024 saw a 56% drop in shoplifting, bringing the number of incidents to 11 from 25 in August. This decline is consistent with the seasonal transition, as back-to-school and university freshers’ activities may have shifted focus away from retail areas. Anti-social behaviour also fell by 41%, with incidents dropping from 39 to 23, suggesting a reduction in public disturbances that could be linked to the end of the summer tourist season. Conversely, other crime categories saw sharp increases: 'other crime' rose by 500% (from 1 to 6 incidents), vehicle crime doubled (from 2 to 6), and bicycle theft more than doubled (from 0 to 1). These spikes in specific categories may reflect changes in policing priorities or unreported activities. Portishead’s violent crime rate—2.0 per 1,000—remains 24% below the UK average, a trend that has persisted despite the month-on-month fluctuations. Residents may find the 41% reduction in shoplifting particularly relevant, as it suggests a lower risk of theft in local stores during this period.

Portishead's crime rate in September 2024 fell to 5.7 per 1,000 residents, a 26.1% reduction from the previous month’s 7.7 per 1,000. This decline aligns with a broader trend observed in the area over recent months, though the drop is particularly pronounced in September. On a daily basis, the town reported approximately five crimes per day, a figure that, while low, remains a reminder of the need for vigilance. When scaled to the population, this translates to one reported crime for every 177 residents over the course of the month—a rate that is lower than the UK average. The population context further underscores the significance of this reduction: with 25,417 residents, the relatively small number of crimes highlights the effectiveness of local policing strategies or shifting community dynamics. The monthly exposure metric, while not a direct measure of safety, offers a tangible way for residents to gauge their personal risk relative to the broader population. This comparison to the previous month’s rate, combined with the daily and population-based figures, illustrates a town experiencing a sustained period of reduced crime, though the underlying factors remain a subject of analysis.