Portsmouth Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Portsmouth's crime rate in January 2026 stood at 9.4 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 42.4% above the UK average of 6.6. This stark contrast highlights the city's unique position within the national crime profile, where urban dynamics and local challenges contribute to higher-than-average rates. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (39.9% of total incidents), followed by shoplifting (14.1%) and anti-social behaviour (10.0%). These figures align with the characteristics of a major coastal port city, where high foot traffic, nightlife activity, and seasonal shifts may influence crime patterns. The post-holiday period in January likely contributed to reduced retail activity, yet shoplifting rates remained elevated—136% above the UK average. This anomaly may reflect targeted opportunism in retail areas or broader socioeconomic factors. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour, though 1% below the UK average, showed an 11% month-on-month increase, linked to colder weather and increased indoor congregation. The seasonal context of January—shorter days and post-holiday lulls—may have reduced outdoor crime but amplified tensions in community spaces. These patterns suggest a combination of urban infrastructure, population density, and local economic conditions that require nuanced analysis.

January 2026 saw significant increases in bicycle theft (+40%) and robbery (+28%), raising concerns about personal safety in certain areas. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common crime type, contributing 39.9% of all incidents and 56% above the UK average. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour rose by 11%, indicating potential pressures in community spaces. These trends contrast with declines in possession of weapons (-26.5%) and theft from the person (-25%), suggesting shifting patterns in criminal activity. The sharp rise in bicycle theft may reflect increased winter cycling or targeted theft in specific locations, a detail that could guide local initiatives. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, particularly in areas where these crimes have spiked, and to report suspicious activity promptly.

Portsmouth's crime rate in January 2026 rose by 2.8% compared to the previous month, reflecting a slight upward trend. With 65 crimes reported daily, the local figure underscores the persistent presence of crime in the area, though this rate remains specific to Portsmouth and not directly comparable to national averages. Over the course of January, one reported crime occurred for every 106 residents, illustrating the monthly exposure of the population to crime. This statistic, while informative, does not capture the full picture of daily fluctuations or the impact of specific crime types. The population context—214,321 residents—provides a baseline for understanding how these figures translate into real-world experiences for individuals living in the area. The modest increase from 9.2 to 9.4 per 1,000 residents suggests that while crime remains a concern, the changes are relatively small in the broader context of the city's overall crime profile.