Portsmouth Crime Rate November 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Portsmouth’s November 2025 crime rate of 9.6 per 1,000 residents places the area 31.5% above the UK average of 7.3, a stark figure that underscores the city’s ongoing challenges in crime prevention. The most striking anomaly lies in the sharp rise of shoplifting, which surged by 23.1% to 277 incidents, a spike that defies the usual seasonal patterns of November, which typically sees reduced retail activity outside of Black Friday. This unexpected increase may be attributed to a combination of factors, including heightened demand for discounted goods during the festive season, potential gaps in retail security measures, or shifts in criminal behaviour linked to the darker evenings. Violence and sexual offences remain the most prevalent category, accounting for 39.4% of all reported crimes, a rate 48% above the UK average. This suggests a need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas, such as the city’s nightlife districts and public transport hubs. The seasonal context of November—marked by Bonfire Night, the onset of dark evenings, and the commercial rush of Black Friday—likely contributes to the fluctuating crime profile. While violent crime dominates the statistics, property-related offences such as shoplifting and vehicle crime also show significant deviations from national averages, with the former being 106% above the UK rate and the latter 25% above. These patterns reflect Portsmouth’s unique urban character, where high-traffic retail zones and a mix of residential and commercial areas create distinct opportunities for crime. The city’s relatively low burglary rate, 33% below the UK average, may be linked to increased community engagement or improved home security measures in residential areas. However, the persistent overrepresentation of violent and property crimes compared to national figures indicates that Portsmouth’s crime profile remains a critical focus for local authorities and law enforcement.

November 2025 saw a sharp 23.1% increase in shoplifting, rising from 225 to 277 incidents. This surge, despite the month’s typically lower retail footfall outside of Black Friday, suggests an anomaly in local policing or merchant security measures. Conversely, theft from the person fell by 52.6% (19 to 9), a drop that may reflect heightened awareness among residents during darker evenings or targeted interventions by local authorities. Violent crimes, which account for 39.4% of all reported incidents, remain 48% above the UK average, a persistent challenge for Portsmouth’s law enforcement. The city’s property crime rate also shows stark contrasts: shoplifting is 106% above the UK average, while burglary is 33% below. These divergent trends highlight the combination of urban dynamics and specific crime hotspots, such as high-traffic retail zones and quieter residential areas.

Portsmouth's crime rate in November 2025 fell by 5.5% compared to the previous month, dropping from 10.2 to 9.6 per 1,000 residents. While this decline is modest, it reflects a broader trend of seasonal moderation following the intense retail activity of Black Friday and the heightened public events of Bonfire Night. Daily crime figures for the month averaged 69 incidents, a figure that, while locally relevant, does not include UK-wide comparisons as no national daily data is available. Over the course of November, one reported crime occurred for every 104 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the persistent presence of crime in the area. This statistic, when contextualised against the local population of 214,321, underscores the need for ongoing community engagement and policing strategies tailored to Portsmouth’s unique urban environment. The slight reduction in crime rate may also be attributed to the natural ebb of seasonal activity, as the darker evenings of November typically see a decline in outdoor public events and shopping excursions.