Portsmouth Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Portsmouth’s crime rate in January 2026 stood at 9.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 38.2% above the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This stark divergence from national trends underscores the city’s unique crime profile, shaped by its coastal location, dense urban fabric, and tourism-driven economy. Violence and sexual offences accounted for nearly 40% of all crimes, a figure significantly higher than the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000 (52% above). This may be influenced by Portsmouth’s vibrant nightlife, which extends into the early hours, or the social dynamics of its mixed-use urban centres. Shoplifting, at 1.3 per 1,000 (128% above the UK average), reflects the city’s retail density and the seasonal impact of post-holiday foot traffic, though January’s reduced retail activity may have tempered expectations. Anti-social behaviour, while 3% below the UK average, still accounted for 10% of all crimes, a figure that could be linked to the city’s high population density and the challenges of managing public spaces in a historic port area. Seasonal factors, including shorter daylight hours and post-holiday economic pressures, likely contributed to the persistence of violent crime, which dominated the monthly breakdown. The data also reveals a marked gap between Portsmouth’s property crime rates and the UK average, with vehicle crime and criminal damage both exceeding national figures by over 30%. These patterns suggest that while Portsmouth shares common crime drivers with other urban centres, its specific geography and demographic profile create a distinct crime profile that requires tailored policing and community strategies.

January 2026 saw a 40% increase in bicycle theft compared to the previous month, a sharp rise that may reflect post-holiday theft patterns or increased cycling during colder weather. Robbery rates also climbed by 28%, with 32 incidents recorded, marking a 100% increase over the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour rose by 11%, contributing to the city’s overall violent crime dominance. Shoplifting remained 128% above the UK average, a persistent issue linked to Portsmouth’s retail hubs and tourist activity. Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 26.5%, suggesting a possible reduction in knife crime or improved policing in high-risk areas. The data also reveals a 35% increase in vehicle crime compared to the UK average, a trend consistent with Portsmouth’s port infrastructure and commuter traffic. These shifts highlight a combination of local geography and seasonal crime patterns, with certain categories showing marked divergence from national trends.

Portsmouth's crime rate in January 2026 rose to 9.4 per 1,000 residents, a 2.8% increase from the previous month’s 9.2 per 1,000. This places the city 38.2% above the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000, a gap that has remained consistent over recent months. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 65 crimes per day, reflecting a persistent level of activity that is higher than many comparable urban centres. Over the course of January, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 106 residents, a figure that underscores the monthly exposure to crime in a population of 214,321. While this rate is not exceptionally high on a daily scale, the cumulative impact across the month highlights the need for sustained community and policing efforts. The population context further illustrates that even relatively modest crime rates can translate to significant local experiences, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or dense residential clusters.