Portsmouth Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Portsmouth, 11.1 crimes were reported in September 2024—a rate 44.2% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This translates to a daily risk of roughly one crime for every 90 residents over the course of the month, highlighting the need for vigilance in public spaces. The city’s crime profile was dominated by violence and sexual offences (40.9% of total crimes), followed by shoplifting (10.1%) and public order offences (9.6%). These figures align with the seasonal context of September, when the return of students to the University of Portsmouth and the start of the academic term may have contributed to heightened tensions in areas with high foot traffic. Violence and sexual offences, at 4.6 per 1,000, were 76% above the UK average, suggesting that Portsmouth’s urban density and nightlife activity could be factors. Shoplifting, meanwhile, saw a 62% gap above the UK average, linked to the city’s retail hubs and the influx of new students unfamiliar with local commerce. Public order offences, at 1.1 per 1,000, were 96% above the UK average, which may reflect the challenges of managing crowds in historic areas like the Old Town or during events like the Portsmouth Harbour Festival. While these statistics paint a concerning picture, they also offer insight into the community’s priorities—addressing violent crime and public disorder may require targeted interventions in high-risk zones.

September 2024 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with bicycle theft rising by 39.2% (51 to 71) and possession of weapons increasing by 15.6% (45 to 52). These increases may be tied to the start of the academic term, with new students unfamiliar with local bike storage practices or the proliferation of knives in areas with high youth activity. Conversely, theft from the person dropped by 42.3% (26 to 15), possibly due to increased police patrols or heightened awareness among residents during the quieter early evening hours. Anti-social behaviour fell by 38.5% (322 to 198), a decline that could reflect the easing of summer tourism pressures or improved community engagement initiatives. Vehicle crime rose by 13.8% (80 to 91), a trend that may be linked to the city’s port operations and the increased presence of commercial vehicles in residential areas. While Portsmouth’s overall crime rate remains elevated, specific categories show variance: violence and sexual offences were 76% above the UK average, but anti-social behaviour was 23% below, suggesting that some interventions may be working in certain areas. The city’s performance on bicycle theft—233% above the UK average—highlights a critical need for infrastructure improvements, such as secure bike parking in university precincts.

Portsmouth’s September 2024 crime rate of 11.1 per 1,000 residents marked a 5.3% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 11.8, indicating a slight downward trend. However, this remains significantly higher than the UK average, with residents facing a daily risk of approximately 80 crimes across the city. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 90 residents, a figure that underscores the persistent challenge of maintaining public safety in a densely populated area. When compared to the UK average, Portsmouth’s performance on specific crime types reveals stark contrasts: while anti-social behaviour was 23% below the national average, violence and sexual offences were 76% above, suggesting a combination of local demographics and policing strategies. The city’s population of 214,321 means that even relatively low-percentage changes in crime rates can translate to significant numbers of incidents. For instance, the 39.2% rise in bicycle theft may equate to several dozen additional reports, a concern that could be mitigated by targeted infrastructure investments. While the month-on-month decline offers some optimism, the overall rate remains a stark reminder of the need for sustained efforts to address the root causes of crime in Portsmouth.