Portsmouth Crime Rate

Portsmouth currently holds a safety score of 70/100, which is slightly below the UK national average of 79. The city's overall crime rate is 122.4 per 1,000 people per year, a figure that is approximately 33% higher than the UK average of 91.7. Despite this higher rate, the trend in Portsmouth remains stable, with a modest 4.3% decrease in total recorded crimes over the past 12 months. Property crime in the area stands at 39.7 per 1,000, also exceeding the national average of 32.3. As a major port city with a dense population and significant commercial activity, Portsmouth faces urban safety challenges typical of its size. This report provides a detailed breakdown of the local crime statistics to help residents and visitors understand the current safety landscape.

About Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a unique island city with a high population density, which significantly influences its crime statistics. As a major port city, it serves as a primary hub for cross-channel ferries and is home to a significant naval base, creating a transient population of travellers, military personnel, and students from the University of Portsmouth. The city's compact nature means that residential, commercial, and industrial areas are often closely integrated, which can lead to higher rates of reported incidents in concentrated pockets.

The city's vibrant nightlife, particularly around Gunwharf Quays and Southsea, attracts large numbers of visitors, contributing to the rates of anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related public order offences. Economically, Portsmouth has a diverse landscape, with high-tech maritime industries alongside areas of urban deprivation. The constant movement of people through its transport hubs and the high concentration of retail centres are key factors in the prevalence of shoplifting and opportunistic theft. These urban characteristics, combined with the city's role as a regional destination, create a dynamic safety environment that differs from more suburban local authorities.

Crime in Portsmouth

The crime profile of Portsmouth is heavily weighted towards Violence and sexual offences, which account for 11,084 recorded incidents, or 42.3% of all crime in the city. This is followed by Shoplifting (10.8%) and Anti-social behaviour (10.1%). These figures are typical for a densely populated urban area with a significant retail sector and active nightlife.

Property crime in Portsmouth, which includes burglary, robbery, theft, and vehicle crime, occurs at a rate of 39.7 per 1,000 people. This is higher than the UK average of 32.3. Within this category, Shoplifting and 'Other theft' (5.6%) are the most common, while Burglary accounts for 2.4% of total crimes (2.9 per 1,000 people). Vehicle crime also represents a notable portion of property offences at 3.8%. For residents and homeowners, this indicates that while violent crime is the most frequently reported category, the risk of opportunistic property theft and vehicle interference is a persistent factor that requires consistent security awareness. The relatively high rate of shoplifting also points to significant challenges for the local business community.

Crime Trends in Portsmouth

The crime rate in Portsmouth is currently classified as stable, with a slight 4.3% decrease in recorded incidents over the last 12 months. This suggests that while the city has a higher-than-average crime rate, the situation is not escalating. Analysis of the monthly trend data from December 2024 to November 2025 shows a consistent level of activity with some seasonal variation.

The rate fluctuated between a low of 8.7 per 1,000 in February and a peak of 11.7 in July. This summer peak is common in coastal cities as visitor numbers increase. Other notable months include May (11.1) and August (11.2), further highlighting the impact of the warmer months on the city's safety profile. For residents, this stability is a positive sign that local initiatives are managing the city's urban pressures. However, the consistent monthly figures near 10 per 1,000 indicate that vigilance remains necessary year-round, particularly during the busier summer season when opportunistic crime tends to rise.

In the regional context of South Hampshire, Portsmouth stands out as the primary urban centre with the highest concentration of reported crime. Nearby local authorities such as Gosport, Havant, Fareham, and Eastleigh all report significantly lower crime rates, often near 0.0 per 1,000 in comparison to Portsmouth's 122.4. Similarly, the Isle of Wight and Southampton also show lower recorded activity in this specific data period. This disparity is largely due to Portsmouth's role as a major regional hub for transport, retail, and nightlife, which naturally draws a higher volume of incidents than its more residential and suburban neighbours. For those looking for a quieter environment, the surrounding areas of Fareham and Havant offer a much lower statistical crime profile, while Portsmouth remains the region's central economic and social heart.

With a property crime rate of 39.7 per 1,000, Portsmouth residents and business owners should prioritise robust security measures. Traditional security systems, such as basic alarms and standard CCTV, are often reactive—they notify you or provide footage only after a theft or break-in has occurred. In a high-density environment like Portsmouth, proactive protection is far more effective. The scOS AI-powered security system is designed to prevent crime by detecting potential threats at the boundary of your property. Using multi-camera intelligence, scOS can distinguish between regular foot traffic and suspicious loitering, allowing it to intervene in real-time. Autonomous responses, such as activating high-intensity lighting or audio warnings, can stop a burglar or vehicle thief in their tracks. By shifting from reactive recording to proactive AI-driven deterrence, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of property crime in the city.

How To Keep Safe in Portsmouth

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Portsmouth, making up over 42% of the city's total. Many of these incidents are linked to the city's busy nightlife and high-traffic areas.

To enhance your personal safety in Portsmouth, consider the following:

• When enjoying the city's nightlife in areas like Southsea or Gunwharf Quays, stay with friends and use licensed taxis or pre-arranged transport to get home.
• Be vigilant in high-footfall retail areas where shoplifting and opportunistic theft are more common; keep personal belongings secure and out of sight.
• If you are a student or new to the city, familiarise yourself with the safest walking routes provided by the University or local council, especially for travel after dark.
• For homeowners, ensure that all entry points are well-secured and that exterior lighting is functional to deter loitering and property interference.
• Report any instances of anti-social behaviour to the local authorities, as this helps the police map hotspots and deploy resources more effectively across the local authority area.