Portishead Crime Rate August 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Portishead’s crime rate in August 2025 stood at 6.9 per 1,000 residents, placing it 14.8% below the UK average of 8.1. This relatively low rate contrasts with the sharp increase in shoplifting, which surged 177.8% month-on-month, reaching 25 incidents — a figure 59% higher than the UK average for the category. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common crime type, accounting for 33.1% of all reported incidents, though this rate (2.3 per 1,000) was 20% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed with 21.7% of total crimes, aligning closely with the national average. The area’s seasonal profile in August, marked by peak tourism and holiday activity, likely contributed to these patterns. While shoplifting spikes may reflect increased foot traffic in retail areas, the overall crime rate suggests effective policing or community initiatives are maintaining safety. Violent crime, though lower than the UK average, remains a focus area, particularly in public spaces. The balance between property and violent crime shifted slightly in August, with property crimes (65) accounting for 37% of all incidents, compared to 33% for violent crimes. This shift could be attributed to the summer season’s impact on retail environments and leisure activities, though further analysis would be needed to confirm. The data underscores Portishead’s position as a relatively safe built-up area within North Somerset, where local factors such as coastal tourism and community engagement may play a role in shaping crime trends.

August 2025 saw a dramatic 177.8% increase in shoplifting, with 25 incidents reported — the highest monthly total since records began. This surge, which pushed the rate to 1.0 per 1,000 residents (59% above the UK average), likely reflects the area’s peak tourist season and increased retail activity. Other theft also rose sharply, with 17 incidents reported (88.9% increase from July), though this remains 37% above the UK average. In contrast, public order offences fell by 31.6% (19 → 13), possibly due to targeted policing during events or improved crowd management in popular areas. Violent crime, while still the most common category, remained 20% below the UK average (2.3 vs 2.9 per 1,000), suggesting that local interventions or community factors are mitigating risks. Burglary dropped 16.7% (6 → 5), aligning with the UK’s 26% below average rate. Residents may find the sharp decline in burglary reassuring, though the shoplifting spike highlights the need for enhanced retail security measures during the summer months.

Portishead’s crime rate in August 2025 rose 16.8% compared to July, moving from 5.9 to 6.9 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, places the area’s daily crime count at approximately 6 incidents per day — a local figure that reflects the month’s seasonal dynamics. Over the course of August, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 145 residents, a monthly exposure rate that remains well below the UK’s broader context. This statistic, while not directly comparable to national figures, illustrates the area’s relative safety. The population-scaled perspective shows that Portishead’s crime rate, though slightly higher than July, remains significantly lower than the UK average. For instance, the 14.8% gap between Portishead’s 6.9 and the UK’s 8.1 per 1,000 residents highlights the effectiveness of local crime prevention strategies. The daily crime context — 6 incidents per day — provides residents with a tangible measure of risk, particularly during August’s busy holiday period. These figures, when viewed alongside the area’s demographic profile, suggest that Portishead’s built-up character, combined with its coastal tourism appeal, creates a unique crime profile where targeted efforts can maintain safety despite seasonal fluctuations.