Portsmouth Crime Rate September 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Portsmouth, 10.3 crimes were reported in September 2025—a rate 39.2% higher than the UK average of 7.4. This places the city firmly in the upper quartile of local authority districts for crime severity. The most common incidents were violence and sexual offences (4.0 per 1,000), shoplifting (1.2 per 1,000), and anti-social behaviour (1.1 per 1,000). These figures align with the city’s character as a coastal urban centre with a significant student population, high retail density, and a mix of historic and modern neighbourhoods. Violence and sexual offences, which constitute nearly 40% of all crimes, remain elevated compared to the UK average, likely influenced by the influx of university students during freshers’ week. Shoplifting’s sharp rise also reflects the city’s role as a major retail hub, with high streets and shopping areas attracting both residents and visitors. Anti-social behaviour, though slightly below the UK average, persists as a challenge in densely populated areas. Seasonal factors, such as the end of summer and the return to school, may have amplified tensions in public spaces, contributing to the elevated rates of violence and disorder. However, the data also suggests pockets of improvement, such as the decline in weapons possession, which may indicate effective policing strategies or natural fluctuations in criminal activity.

September saw sharp increases in vehicle crime (+189.2%) and burglary (+141.2%), with 107 and 41 incidents respectively. These spikes may reflect heightened activity during the transition to autumn, when vehicle use and home occupancy patterns shift. Conversely, violence and sexual offences fell by 43.5%, from 1,529 to 864, though this category remains 55% above the UK average. Shoplifting also surged, with a 97% increase over the UK average, likely tied to the city’s retail presence and freshers’ week activity. Meanwhile, possession of weapons plummeted by 74.1%, a drop that could indicate improved policing efforts or seasonal changes in criminal activity. The most striking anomaly is bicycle theft, which is 186% above the UK average—suggesting a need for targeted measures in areas with high student populations.

Portsmouth’s crime rate in September 2025 fell by 7.8% compared to August, dropping from 11.2 to 10.3 per 1,000 residents. This decline, while modest, suggests a slight easing in pressure on local services and community safety networks. On a daily basis, the city experienced approximately 73 crimes per day—an average that, while not unusual for urban areas, underscores the persistent need for vigilance. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 97 residents, a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents for those living in the city. This monthly exposure rate, though not directly comparable to UK-wide figures, highlights the localised nature of crime trends. The reduction in overall crime may reflect seasonal factors, such as the transition from summer to autumn, which could influence patterns of activity and public behaviour. However, the city remains significantly above the UK average, with its crime rate nearly 40% higher than the national benchmark, indicating ongoing challenges in addressing local crime drivers.