Portsmouth Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

December 2024 marked a 13.4% month-on-month decline in Portsmouth’s crime rate, falling to 9.4 per 1,000 residents—32.4% above the UK average. This figure underscores the area’s persistent challenges with crime relative to the national benchmark, though the monthly drop suggests seasonal influences may have played a role. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 42.8% of all incidents and sitting 56% above the UK average. This category’s dominance aligns with Portsmouth’s character as a coastal city with a mix of urban and maritime activity, where late-night venues and the port’s operations could contribute to higher rates of violent incidents. Shoplifting, at 93% above the UK average, was the second most common crime, likely driven by the Christmas shopping surge and the city’s retail presence along the waterfront. Anti-social behaviour, however, was an exception, being 15% below the UK average—a trend that may reflect community initiatives or the temporary closure of certain venues during the holidays. The seasonal context of December—dark evenings, empty homes, and increased foot traffic in retail areas—likely amplifies risks for property crimes while simultaneously reducing opportunities for others, such as vehicle-related offences. These patterns suggest that while Portsmouth’s overall crime rate remains elevated compared to the UK, targeted interventions during the festive period may have had a measurable impact on certain categories.

December 2024 saw a notable 33.3% drop in vehicle crime, with incidents falling from 87 to 58. This decline may reflect reduced commuter traffic and fewer vehicles on the road during the holiday period. Conversely, other theft rose by 11.5%, increasing from 122 to 136—a shift that could be linked to increased retail activity and Christmas shopping. Violence and sexual offences remained the most significant category, contributing 42.8% of all crimes and sitting 56% above the UK average. Shoplifting also surged, at 93% above the UK average, driven by festive consumer behaviour. Anti-social behaviour, meanwhile, was 15% below the UK average, due to community efforts during the holiday season. These fluctuations illustrate the combination of seasonal dynamics and local crime patterns, with some categories responding more sharply to December’s unique conditions than others.

Portsmouth's crime rate in December 2024 fell by 13.4% compared to the previous month, dropping from 10.9 to 9.4 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with typical seasonal patterns, where reduced foot traffic and increased holiday-related closures may contribute to lower opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 65 crimes per day in December, a figure that reflects both the month’s length and the local crime profile. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 106 residents, a monthly aggregate that contextualises the rate within the population. This ratio is slightly higher than the UK average for similar-sized areas but remains consistent with Portsmouth’s historical trends. The population-scaled perspective shows that while the rate is elevated compared to the UK, the absolute number of crimes is manageable for a city of this size. Local factors such as the port’s activity and the presence of multiple universities may influence these figures, though can be confirmed without further data.