Portsmouth Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Portsmouth’s crime rate for August 2024 reached 11.8 per 1,000 residents, placing it 43.9% above the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000. This stark divergence reflects a concentrated pattern of violent and property-related offences. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 37% of all reported crimes, far exceeding the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000 (a 64% gap). Anti-social behaviour (12.8% share) and shoplifting (10.6% share) also contributed significantly, with shoplifting alone 69% above the UK average. The seasonal context of August—peak holiday month, increased tourism, and vacant properties—may partly explain the heightened burglary risk. While property crime (850 incidents) and violent crime (932 incidents) dominated the total, the balance between these categories shifted compared to prior months. The town’s mix of residential areas, commercial hubs, and tourist attractions likely amplifies exposure to both retail-related theft and public order issues. August’s warm evenings and extended daylight hours may also prolong social interactions in public spaces, contributing to the surge in anti-social behaviour. However, whether these factors directly caused the increases, though the timing aligns with seasonal patterns common in coastal towns.

August 2024 saw sharp increases in burglary (+70.2%, 47 → 80), bicycle theft (+50%, 34 → 51), and theft from the person (+36.8%, 19 → 26). Burglary’s jump aligns with August’s seasonal context of empty homes and increased tourism, which may leave properties more vulnerable. Bicycle theft, already 122% above the UK average, rose further, likely reflecting the area’s cycling infrastructure and summer activity. Theft from the person, though still below the UK average, increased by nearly 40%, possibly linked to crowded tourist areas. Meanwhile, vehicle crime fell by 14.0% (93 → 80), and robbery dropped by 14.3% (28 → 24), suggesting some crime types are stabilising. Violence and sexual offences remained high, with 4.4 per 1,000 residents—64% above the UK average—highlighting persistent concerns in public spaces. Residents should be particularly vigilant in areas with high foot traffic, such as the Harbour area and shopping districts, where anti-social behaviour and shoplifting rates are elevated. The data underscores that while some crime categories are declining, the overall profile remains significantly higher than the UK norm, requiring continued attention.

Portsmouth’s crime rate in August 2024 (11.8 per 1,000) marked a slight decline from July’s 12.0 per 1,000—a 2.2% decrease—but remains well above the UK average. This monthly rate translates to roughly 81 crimes per day, with one reported crime occurring for every 85 residents over the course of the month. While the drop from July is modest, the overall rate is still 43.9% higher than the UK average, reflecting systemic disparities. The population-scaled perspective highlights that residents face a higher risk of crime than the national average, particularly in violent and property-related categories. For context, the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000 equates to approximately 60 crimes per day in a city of Portsmouth’s size, yet the local figure exceeds this by over 30%. This gap is most pronounced in violence and sexual offences, which are 64% above the UK average, and shoplifting, which is 69% higher. The comparison underscores that while Portsmouth’s crime rate is slightly lower than July’s, the long-term trend remains elevated compared to the rest of the country. Residents should consider these figures alongside local initiatives and community engagement efforts.