Portsmouth Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Portsmouth's crime rate in January 2024 stood at 10.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it 35.1% above the UK average of 7.4. This coastal city's crime profile reveals a stark contrast to national trends, with violence and sexual offences dominating the statistics. These crimes accounted for 42.2% of all reported incidents, significantly exceeding the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000 (62% above). The post-holiday period in January may partly explain the elevated levels of violent crime, as shorter days and reduced retail footfall could contribute to increased tensions in public spaces. Shoplifting also emerged as a notable concern, with 201 incidents recorded (9.3% of total crimes), 58% above the UK average. Public order offences followed closely, at 172 cases (8.0% of total crimes), 67% above the national benchmark. The seasonal context of January—marked by colder weather, reduced daylight hours, and the transition from festive activity—likely influences these patterns, particularly in areas with high foot traffic such as the city centre and coastal promenades. While anti-social behaviour (167 cases) and criminal damage (159 cases) were also prominent, they showed more modest deviations from UK averages, with anti-social behaviour 19% below the national rate. The overall crime picture underscores Portsmouth's unique challenges, shaped by its urban density, tourism infrastructure, and the seasonal rhythms of its economy.

January 2024 saw significant month-on-month changes in Portsmouth's crime profile. Robbery incidents surged by 107.7%, rising from 13 to 27 cases—a sharp increase that outpaced other categories. This jump may reflect heightened vulnerability during the post-holiday period, particularly in areas with high pedestrian traffic. Other crime also rose by 50.0%, with 27 incidents reported compared to 18 in December, suggesting a broadening of criminal activity beyond traditional categories. Shoplifting increased by 47.8% (136 to 201 cases), a trend that may be linked to retail establishments adjusting staffing levels post-Christmas. Conversely, theft from the person fell by 25.0% (20 to 15 cases), due to reduced outdoor activity and increased use of public transport during colder weather. Public order offences decreased slightly by 5.5% (182 to 172), though they remain well above the UK average. Violent crime in Portsmouth is 62% above the UK average, with 4.2 per 1,000 residents compared to 2.6 nationally. This divergence highlights the area's particular challenges, which may be tied to its urban character and transient population. Residents should be aware that while some categories show improvement, the overall trajectory remains concerning for violent crime.

Portsmouth's crime rate in January 2024 (10.0 per 1,000) marked a 9.1% increase from the previous month's rate of 9.2, reflecting a continuing upward trend. On a daily basis, the city experienced approximately 69 crimes per day—a figure that, while local to Portsmouth, illustrates the density of criminal activity in this urban area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 100 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the frequency of incidents in a population of 214,321. This rate is higher than the UK average, which suggests that Portsmouth's unique characteristics—its coastal location, tourist infrastructure, and urban density—contribute to a distinct crime profile. The population-scaled perspective reveals that the city's crime burden is higher than the national average, with violent crime and public order offences driving much of this disparity. While other areas of the UK may see lower rates of shoplifting or vehicle crime, Portsmouth's elevated levels of violent crime and public disorder place it in a different category. Residents and visitors alike should consider these statistics when assessing safety, particularly in areas with high concentrations of nightlife or retail activity.