Portsmouth Crime Rate November 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Portsmouth's November 2025 crime rate of 9.6 per 1,000 residents places it significantly above the UK average of 7.3, with a 31.5% disparity. The city's crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences, which account for nearly 40% of all reported incidents and are 48% higher than the UK average. This is followed by shoplifting, which contributes 13.4% of crimes and is 106% above the national rate, a figure that may be partly explained by the timing of Black Friday shopping. Anti-social behaviour, while lower than the UK average, remains a persistent issue, highlighting the combination of local factors such as population density and urban infrastructure. Seasonal context adds nuance to these figures: the dark evenings of November likely contribute to higher rates of violence and public order offences, while Bonfire Night may have temporarily influenced property crime patterns. The dominance of violent crime over property crime—a reversal of trends seen in other months—suggests a shift in the balance of criminal activity, linked to increased social interactions during the festive period or changes in policing priorities. This data underscores the need for targeted interventions in areas with high concentrations of violent crime, while also addressing the surge in shoplifting that appears to have been exacerbated by retail activity. The overall picture illustrates a city grappling with a mix of persistent and emerging crime challenges, requiring a multifaceted approach to community safety.

The most striking month-on-month change was a 23.1% increase in shoplifting, rising from 225 to 277 incidents. This surge coincides with Black Friday shopping, suggesting a direct link between retail activity and property crime. Meanwhile, theft from the person fell by 52.6%, dropping from 19 to 9 cases—a decline that may reflect heightened vigilance during darker evenings or targeted policing efforts. Vehicle crime also rose by 18.3%, from 82 to 97, potentially influenced by seasonal changes in car usage or parking patterns. Violence and sexual offences remain the most prevalent category, accounting for 39.4% of all crimes, and are 48% above the UK average. This stark contrast to categories like burglary, which are 33% below the UK average, highlights the uneven distribution of crime types in the area. Residents may find the 106% increase in shoplifting compared to the UK average particularly concerning, given its direct impact on local businesses and consumers.

Portsmouth's November 2025 crime rate of 9.6 per 1,000 residents marks a 5.5% decrease from the previous month's 10.2 per 1,000, reflecting a slight but notable downward trend. This reduction contrasts with the area's overall position above the UK average, which remains 31.5% higher. On a daily basis, the city experiences approximately 69 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the frequency of incidents for residents. Over the course of November, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 104 residents—a monthly exposure rate that underscores the persistent presence of crime in the area. While this rate is lower than the previous month, it still highlights the need for ongoing attention to crime prevention strategies. The population context further illustrates that Portsmouth's crime burden is higher than the UK average, a disparity that may be influenced by local factors such as urban density and economic conditions. This comparison provides a clear benchmark for understanding how Portsmouth's crime profile differs from national trends.