Portsmouth Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In September 2023, Portsmouth's crime rate of 10.7 per 1,000 residents placed it 33.7% above the UK average, underscoring a persistent challenge in maintaining public safety. This rate translates to roughly one reported crime for every 93 residents over the course of the month, a figure that highlights the daily realities faced by those living in the city. The most significant contributor to this rate was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 39.4% of all incidents, a category that exceeded the UK average by 53%. This aligns with the seasonal context of September, a month marked by the return of students to universities and the start of the academic term, which may contribute to heightened tensions in nightlife areas and crowded public spaces. Anti-social behaviour, while remaining below the UK average by 10%, was closely followed by public order offences, which were 77% above national figures—a pattern consistent with the city's coastal location and the presence of multiple entertainment districts. The breakdown of crimes also revealed a stark contrast between property-related incidents and violent crimes, with shoplifting and vehicle crime both exceeding UK averages by over 60%, reflecting the city's retail and transport networks. This data illustrates the combination of demographic shifts, urban infrastructure, and seasonal rhythms in shaping crime patterns. While the overall rate remains elevated, the month-on-month decrease of 3.4% from August suggests some degree of stability in policing efforts or community engagement strategies, though the persistent gap between Portsmouth and the UK average indicates a need for targeted interventions.

September saw a sharp 118.2% increase in theft from the person, rising from 11 to 24 incidents. This jump may partly explain the 81.3% rise in robbery, potentially linked to the influx of university students and the start of the academic term. Anti-social behaviour, while remaining below the UK average, saw a 10% deficit compared to national figures, a contrast to the 77% surge in public order offences. Vehicle crime and shoplifting both exceeded UK averages by 46% and 61% respectively, consistent with the city's retail and transport hubs. The 15.5% increase in other theft, though modest, suggests ongoing challenges in securing commercial properties. Meanwhile, bicycle theft dropped by 23.3%, reflecting reduced cycling activity as days shorten and temperatures fall.

Portsmouth's crime rate in September 2023 fell by 3.4% compared to August, declining from 11.1 to 10.7 per 1,000 residents. This small decrease aligns with seasonal patterns as university term starts shift into a more structured rhythm. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 77 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the scale of activity in a city with a population of over 214,000. Over the course of the month, 1 reported crime occurred for roughly every 93 residents, highlighting the frequency of incidents in a densely populated coastal district. While this rate remains above the UK average, the month-on-month dip suggests potential stabilisation in local policing efforts or community initiatives. The population context reveals that even modest changes in crime numbers translate to tangible differences in individual risk exposure, particularly in areas with high foot traffic such as the city centre and university zones.