Portsmouth Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Portsmouth's December 2024 crime rate of 9.4 per 1,000 residents placed it 32.4% above the UK average of 7.1. This figure reflects a combination of seasonal and demographic factors in a major coastal urban centre with a significant student population and historic retail districts. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime picture, accounting for 42.8% of all reported incidents, a rate of 4.0 per 1,000 residents—56% above the UK average. Shoplifting remained a persistent issue, with 239 cases recorded (1.1 per 1,000 residents), 93% above the national average. The seasonal context of December, with its Christmas shopping peak, extended dark evenings, and increased presence of empty homes during holiday absences, likely contributes to these patterns. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.8 per 1,000 residents, was 15% below the UK average, suggesting local initiatives or community engagement efforts may be mitigating some aspects of disorder. The contrast between Portsmouth's elevated rates for violent crime and its relatively lower rates for vehicle crime (0.3 per 1,000, 25% below UK average) hints at a unique urban profile shaped by both concentrated retail hubs and effective traffic management strategies. While the overall rate remains concerning compared to national benchmarks, the month's crime picture illustrates how specific local characteristics—such as a bustling waterfront, a major university, and a historic city centre—interact with national crime trends in distinct ways.

December 2024 saw a 13.4% decrease in Portsmouth's overall crime rate compared to November, falling from 10.9 to 9.4 per 1,000 residents. This reduction was most pronounced in vehicle crime, which dropped 33.3% (87 to 58 incidents), likely reflecting reduced traffic during holiday periods and fewer commuters. Possession of weapons also declined 30.6% (36 to 25), possibly linked to seasonal changes in alcohol consumption patterns. Conversely, other theft rose 11.5% (122 to 136), indicating persistent challenges in securing retail spaces during peak shopping periods. Violence and sexual offences remained the most pressing concern, with rates 56% above the UK average (4.0 vs 2.6 per 1,000). Shoplifting, at 1.1 per 1,000 residents, was 93% above the national average, suggesting continued pressure on retail security measures in the city's historic shopping areas. Anti-social behaviour, while 15% below the UK average, still accounted for 8.2% of all crimes, highlighting the need for targeted community engagement in high-density areas. These figures offer a nuanced picture: while some categories show improvement, the elevated rates for violent crime and property theft underscore the need for sustained focus on both prevention and response strategies.

Portsmouth's December 2024 crime rate of 9.4 per 1,000 residents marked a 13.4% decline from November's 10.9, reflecting a shift in local crime dynamics. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 65 crimes per day—equivalent to one incident for every 3.3 residents per day. Over the course of the month, 1 crime occurred for every 106 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure in terms of population density. This rate, while lower than November, still places Portsmouth significantly above the UK average. The population-scaled perspective reveals that residents face a higher risk of encountering crime compared to the national average, particularly in violent crime categories. For example, the rate of violence and sexual offences (4.0 per 1,000) is nearly double the UK average, suggesting a need for targeted interventions in areas with concentrated social interactions. Conversely, the 25% lower rate of vehicle crime compared to the UK average (0.3 vs 0.4 per 1,000) indicates that traffic-related crime may be effectively managed through local policing or infrastructure. These comparisons highlight both the challenges and opportunities in Portsmouth's crime profile, with the 13.4% monthly decrease offering a glimmer of progress against a backdrop of persistent disparities compared to national benchmarks.