Portsmouth Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Portsmouth's crime rate in December 2025 stood at 9.2 per 1,000 residents — 31.4% above the UK average of 7.0 per 1,000. This figure, while showing a 4.8% decrease from November, remains significantly higher than the national benchmark, reflecting the city's unique challenges as a major coastal urban centre with a mix of commercial, residential, and tourist areas. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 38.4% of all reported incidents (756 cases) — 36% above the UK average. This aligns with Portsmouth's status as a hub for nightlife, retail, and public transport, which can contribute to higher rates of interpersonal crime. Shoplifting followed closely at 13.4% of total crimes (264 cases), 111% above the UK average, a figure consistent with the city's high foot traffic in commercial districts. Anti-social behaviour, at 9.3% of total crimes, was 3% below the UK average, possibly reflecting effective community policing efforts in some areas. The seasonal context of December — with its dark evenings, holiday shopping, and empty homes — likely contributed to the persistence of property crime, particularly vehicle crime (6.2% of total), which rose by 25.8% compared to November. While the overall rate shows a slight decline, the city's position above the UK average suggests that underlying factors such as economic disparity, population density, and the transient nature of some communities continue to influence crime patterns. This data underscores the need for sustained efforts to address both violent and property crime, particularly in areas with high concentrations of retail and public spaces.

December 2025 saw sharp increases in theft from the person (+77.8%) and possession of weapons (+30.8%), reflecting heightened vulnerability during the holiday season. Vehicle crime surged by 25.8% to 122 incidents, likely driven by increased car use during Christmas shopping and festive travel. Conversely, bicycle theft dropped by 33.3% to 20 incidents, possibly due to reduced outdoor activity in colder weather. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common crime type (38.4% of total), 36% above the UK average, a pattern consistent with Portsmouth's dense urban environment and high foot traffic in retail and nightlife areas. Shoplifting, at 13.4% of total crimes, was 111% above the UK average — a stark contrast to the 1.2 per 1,000 rate, which suggests persistent challenges in retail security despite seasonal efforts. The 4.8% monthly decline in overall crime rate may indicate the effectiveness of targeted policing during the festive period.

Portsmouth's crime rate in December 2025 fell by 4.8% compared to November's 9.6 per 1,000, marking a slight but notable decline. This reduction aligns with a seasonal dip in public order offences and a drop in bicycle theft. Locally, 63 crimes were reported daily on average, reflecting the area's ongoing challenges with property and violent crime. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 109 residents — a figure that underscores the persistent presence of crime in daily life. While the rate is lower than November, the 31.4% gap above the UK average (7.0 per 1,000) highlights a continued need for targeted interventions. The population context reveals that, despite the decline, Portsmouth remains a city where crime is more prevalent than the national average, particularly in categories like violence and shoplifting. This monthly exposure metric offers a tangible way for residents to gauge their personal risk, though it does not capture the full complexity of local crime patterns.