Portsmouth Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a city of 214,321 residents, October 2024 saw 2,463 crimes reported in Portsmouth—a figure equivalent to one reported crime for every 87 residents over the course of the month. This translates to a crime rate of 11.5 per 1,000 population, placing the area 42.0% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 40.3% of all incidents (993 cases), a rate of 4.6 per 1,000 residents—72% above the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour followed with 10.5% of total crimes (259 cases), while public order offences (226 cases) were 96% above the national average. These patterns align with seasonal factors: October’s darker evenings and Halloween activities may have contributed to higher levels of public disorder and anti-social behaviour. The city’s status as a major coastal urban centre with a mix of residential, commercial, and tourism sectors likely influences these trends, with high foot traffic in public spaces and nightlife areas potentially driving both violent and anti-social incidents. Meanwhile, the relatively high rate of vehicle crime (0.6 per 1,000) may reflect Portsmouth’s port infrastructure and commuter activity. While the overall crime rate remains elevated compared to the UK average, the breakdown suggests targeted interventions in high-risk areas could yield measurable improvements.

October 2024 saw notable shifts in crime patterns compared to September, with vehicle crime increasing by 38.5% (from 91 to 126 cases) and anti-social behaviour rising by 30.8% (from 198 to 259). These increases may be linked to the transition into darker evenings, which can amplify street-level conflicts and vehicle-related incidents. Conversely, possession of weapons decreased by 34.6% (from 52 to 34 cases), possibly reflecting seasonal changes in illicit activity or targeted policing efforts. The category of 'other crime' also rose by 31.0% (from 29 to 38 cases), highlighting the need for further analysis of this broad category. Violence and sexual offences remained the most significant category, with a rate 72% above the UK average, while public order offences—often tied to alcohol consumption and public gatherings—were 96% above the national benchmark. The city’s proximity to the UK mainland and its role as a transport hub may also contribute to higher rates of vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour. Residents should be aware of these trends, particularly as Halloween events and reduced daylight hours may continue to influence crime patterns in the coming weeks.

Portsmouth’s crime rate in October 2024 (11.5 per 1,000) was 3.1% higher than the previous month’s rate of 11.1 per 1,000, indicating a slight upward trend. On a daily basis, the city experienced approximately 79 crimes per day—an average of one reported crime for every 87 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure underscores the frequency of incidents in a densely populated urban area, where a combination of commercial activity, tourism, and residential density can contribute to higher crime rates. When compared to the UK average, Portsmouth’s overall crime rate remains significantly elevated, though the city’s unique characteristics—such as its coastal location and historical significance as a naval base—may influence these figures. The high proportion of violent crimes and public order offences, combined with the relatively low rate of theft from the person (50% below the UK average), suggests a distinct crime profile shaped by local demographics and geography. For residents, these statistics highlight the importance of community engagement and targeted policing in high-risk areas, while also demonstrating the need for context-specific strategies that address Portsmouth’s unique challenges.