Portishead Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 marked a shift in Portishead’s crime profile, with the area maintaining its position as one of the UK’s safest built-up areas. The overall crime rate of 4.9 per 1,000 residents placed it 23.4% below the UK average of 6.4, a consistent trend reflecting the area’s character as a low-density coastal community with limited high-traffic zones. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 39.2% of all reported incidents, though this category remained 18% below the UK average. Shoplifting emerged as the second most common crime, with 21.6% of total reports, but this category was 90% above the UK average, a striking anomaly that may reflect local retail patterns. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, at 20.0% of total crimes, though it was only 10% above the UK average. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—likely contributed to the subdued levels of property crime compared to summer months. However, the sharp rise in shoplifting could indicate a shift in criminal focus toward retail spaces, linked to the area’s proximity to major transport routes and the presence of high-street stores. This mix of low overall crime and specific category anomalies suggests a combination of local demographics and broader regional crime trends, warranting closer analysis of retail security measures and community engagement initiatives.

February 2026 saw a dramatic 170% increase in shoplifting compared to January, with 27 incidents reported—more than double the previous month’s total. This surge, coupled with a 56.3% rise in anti-social behaviour, highlights a notable shift in criminal activity toward public spaces and commercial areas. The category of violence and sexual offences rose by 8.9%, though it remained 18% below the UK average, a contrast to the sharp divergence in shoplifting figures. Conversely, several categories experienced declines, including other crime, criminal damage and arson, and other theft, each falling by 60% from January. These decreases may reflect the seasonal lull in winter months, when outdoor activity and social gatherings are limited. The UK average comparison reveals stark contrasts: while shoplifting was 90% above the national rate, public order offences were 27% below, and burglary was 20% below. This divergence underscores the unique characteristics of Portishead’s crime profile, where retail-focused crimes are represented compared to the UK average. For residents, the sharp increase in shoplifting may signal a need for enhanced security measures in local stores, particularly during periods of high foot traffic.

Portishead’s crime rate in February 2026 rose 11.6% compared to the previous month, moving from 4.4 to 4.9 per 1,000 residents. While this increase was modest in absolute terms, it highlights a month-on-month fluctuation that may be linked to seasonal factors or temporary spikes in specific crime categories. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 4 crimes per day in February—a figure that, while low, underscores the need for ongoing vigilance. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 203 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average for similar-sized areas. This statistic, when contextualised against Portishead’s population of 25,417, illustrates the relatively low risk residents face compared to other parts of the country. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that violent crimes, which accounted for 39.2% of all incidents, were concentrated in a smaller proportion of the community than the UK average, suggesting targeted interventions may be more effective than broad-spectrum policing. The comparison to the previous month’s rate, combined with the daily crime count, provides a nuanced view of Portishead’s security landscape: while the area remains safer than the UK average, the month-on-month increase in certain categories indicates the need for continuous monitoring and adaptive strategies to address emerging trends.