Portishead Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

May 2025 saw a sharp 100% increase in burglary cases in Portishead, the most dramatic month-on-month swing in the area. This surge, from three to six incidents, contrasts with an 80% decline in vehicle crime, which fell from five to one. The overall crime rate for the month stood at 6.7 per 1,000 residents, placing Portishead 17.3% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 42.9% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (21.8%) and public order offences (10.0%). These figures align with the seasonal rhythm of longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising in May, which may partly explain the rise in violent and public order incidents. While the town's crime rate remains lower than the UK average, the sharp increase in burglary deserves closer attention, particularly given Portishead's coastal location and the potential influence of transient populations during the spring season. The area's relatively low levels of property crime—such as shoplifting (55% below UK average) and vehicle crime (100% below)—suggest a strong community presence and effective local policing strategies. However, the spike in burglary highlights the need for continued vigilance, especially in residential areas with high foot traffic during evening hours.

The most striking shift in May 2025 was the 100% increase in burglary cases, with six incidents reported compared to three in April. This jump, while modest in absolute terms, contrasts sharply with the 80% decline in vehicle crime, which dropped from five to one. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 54.2%, from 24 to 37 incidents, potentially linked to the extended daylight hours and increased public gatherings typical of May. Meanwhile, crimes such as shoplifting and drug-related offences fell significantly below UK averages, with shoplifting rates 55% lower than the national figure. The town's violence and sexual offences rate (2.9 per 1,000) was 2% above the UK average, indicating a localized challenge in managing violent crime. For residents, the 1-in-150 residents figure for monthly crime exposure offers a tangible benchmark of the area's relative safety. The contrast between rising burglary and falling vehicle crime may reflect shifting patterns in criminal activity, influenced by seasonal factors such as increased foot traffic in retail areas or changes in local demographics during the spring. These trends underscore the importance of targeted policing and community engagement to address specific vulnerabilities without compromising the area's overall low crime profile.

Portishead's crime rate in May 2025 rose by 26.0% compared to April's 5.3 per 1,000 residents, marking the highest monthly increase in recent data. This upward trend, however, still leaves the area significantly safer than the UK average, with a 17.3% deficit in overall crime rates. On a daily basis, the town recorded approximately five crimes per day, a figure that may seem high in absolute terms but is proportionally low when scaled to Portishead's population of 25,417 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 150 residents, a monthly exposure rate that remains well below the UK average. This statistic provides a useful context for residents, illustrating that the likelihood of encountering crime is relatively low compared to national trends. The 26% increase from April is noteworthy but must be viewed alongside the area's consistent performance in keeping property crime rates far below UK levels. For instance, vehicle crime plummeted by 80% compared to the previous month, highlighting the variability in crime patterns across different categories. While the rise in burglary and anti-social behaviour is cause for concern, the overall trajectory of Portishead's crime statistics continues to reflect a community that is generally safer than the UK average, with targeted efforts likely contributing to the sustained suppression of property-related offences.