Portsmouth Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Portsmouth's crime profile in August 2024 was marked by a stark divergence from national averages, with a total crime rate of 11.8 per 1,000 residents—43.9% above the UK's 8.2 per 1,000. This discrepancy is most pronounced in violent crimes, which accounted for 37% of all incidents, with a rate of 4.4 per 1,000 (64% above the UK average). The city's urban character, coupled with its status as a major coastal resort, likely contributes to these patterns. Anti-social behaviour and shoplifting followed as the second and third most common crime types, with rates 4% and 69% above UK averages respectively. August's peak holiday season may have exacerbated certain trends, such as the 70.2% surge in burglary cases, as unoccupied homes during the summer months create vulnerabilities for opportunistic offenders. Meanwhile, shoplifting's elevated rate (1.2 per 1,000) reflects the city's retail presence, particularly in areas like the Historic Dockyard and the city centre. Public order offences also rose sharply, with a rate of 1.2 per 1,000—90% above the UK average—potentially linked to increased visitor activity and late-night events. The data suggests that while Portsmouth's crime profile is influenced by both its urban density and seasonal dynamics, the persistence of rates well above the national average indicates a need for targeted local strategies to address specific vulnerabilities.

August 2024 saw a 70.2% increase in burglary cases, rising from 47 to 80. This surge aligns with seasonal trends, as August is a peak holiday month when properties are more likely to be unoccupied. Bicycle theft also rose sharply by 50%, with 51 incidents reported—up from 34 in July. This increase may reflect higher cyclist activity during summer months. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 14%, dropping from 93 to 80, potentially due to reduced traffic congestion or increased police patrols in key areas. Violent crimes remained the most prevalent category, contributing 37% of all reported incidents. This category's rate was 64% above the UK average, a disparity that likely reflects Portsmouth's urban density and the presence of nightlife areas. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, particularly in areas with high foot traffic and during late evening hours.

Portsmouth's crime rate in August 2024 stood at 11.8 per 1,000 residents, a 2.2% decrease from the previous month's 12.0 per 1,000. This slight decline, however, does not bring the rate closer to the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately 81 crimes reported each day in August, highlighting the persistent volume of incidents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 85 residents, a figure that underscores the density of criminal activity relative to the population. While the overall rate has dipped marginally, the scale of crime remains high compared to national standards, with violent crime rates 64% above the UK average. This suggests that local factors—such as the city's coastal tourism infrastructure and urban density—continue to exert a significant influence on crime patterns, even as month-on-month fluctuations occur.