Portsmouth Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Portsmouth's overall crime rate in December 2025 stood at 9.2 per 1,000 residents, marking a 31.4% increase above the UK average of 7.0. This figure reflects a combination of seasonal factors and local dynamics. The city's crime profile was dominated by violence and sexual offences, accounting for 38.4% of all reported crimes, followed by shoplifting (13.4%) and anti-social behaviour (9.3%). The high proportion of violent crimes during December may be partly explained by the city's urban character, combined with the seasonal context of dark evenings, increased social gatherings, and the Christmas shopping peak. The sharp rise in shoplifting—111% above the UK average—aligns with the presence of retail hubs in the city centre, where foot traffic surges during the festive season. Anti-social behaviour, while slightly below the UK average, remained a persistent concern, particularly in areas with high population density. The seasonal context of December—empty homes during holidays, extended periods of darkness, and the convergence of visitors and residents—likely contributed to the overall pattern. These factors may have amplified tensions in public spaces and created opportunities for opportunistic crimes. The data illustrates a city grappling with both routine crime patterns and the unique pressures of a holiday month, requiring targeted strategies to address specific vulnerabilities.

December 2025 saw notable shifts in crime trends, with theft from the person increasing by 77.8% (9 to 16 incidents), a stark rise that may reflect heightened retail activity and crowded public spaces during the Christmas shopping period. Concurrently, possession of weapons surged by 30.8% (26 to 34), a figure 186% above the UK average, which could signal challenges in managing public safety during seasonal events. Vehicle crime also rose by 25.8% (97 to 122), linked to increased car usage in the city during the festive period. However, some categories showed declines: bicycle theft fell by 33.3% (30 to 20), due to reduced cycling activity in colder weather, while robbery decreased by 16.7% (30 to 25), which might indicate successful local policing efforts or fewer high-value targets during the holiday season. Public order offences also dropped by 13.8% (174 to 150), a shift that could be attributed to reduced nightlife activity or increased community engagement initiatives. Shoplifting rates remained 111% above the UK average, highlighting the need for continued focus on retail crime prevention in Portsmouth. These fluctuations underscore the importance of adapting strategies to seasonal rhythms and local context.

Portsmouth's crime rate in December 2025 (9.2 per 1,000) represented a 4.8% decrease from the previous month's rate of 9.6, suggesting a slight but measurable improvement in the city's crime profile. On a daily basis, Portsmouth experienced approximately 63 crimes per day during December, a figure that contextualises the frequency of incidents for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 109 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the persistent nature of crime in the area. When compared to the UK average, Portsmouth's overall rate remains significantly elevated, but the month-on-month decline indicates that local efforts may be yielding some results. The population context of 214,321 residents means that each crime has a tangible impact on the community, reinforcing the need for targeted interventions. While the city's rate is higher than the national average, the decrease from November suggests that some measures—whether through policing, community engagement, or environmental design—are beginning to take effect. These figures, when viewed alongside the seasonal context of December, illustrate both the challenges and opportunities inherent in managing crime in a coastal urban area with fluctuating population dynamics.