Portsmouth Crime Rate

Portsmouth's crime rate of 120.1 per 1,000 residents is significantly higher than the UK average of 91.2, indicating a heightened risk. Violence and sexual offences are particularly prevalent, with a rate of 50.1 per 1,000, 55% above the national average. However, the overall trend shows a decrease of 5.7% year-on-year.

The crime rate in Portsmouth is 120.1 per 1,000 residents annually, as of January 2026. This is 31.7% above the UK average of 91.2, indicating a higher crime risk than many other areas of the country.

Portsmouth's crime rate of 120.1 per 1,000 residents is 31.7% higher than the UK average of 91.2. Specifically, violence and sexual offences are 55% above average, while burglary is 17% below.

While Portsmouth has a higher crime rate (120.1 per 1,000) than the UK average, the trend shows a 5.7% decrease year-on-year. However, specific crime types like violence and sexual offences (50.1 per 1,000) are notably above the national average, requiring vigilance.

Crimes, particularly violence and sexual offences, are more frequent in the evening hours in Portsmouth. The monthly data shows peaks in July 2025, with 11.6 crimes per 1,000 residents. Vehicle crime is also higher during the night (39%), highlighting a need for increased awareness and security.

Portsmouth’s burglary rate is 2.8 per 1,000 residents, which is 17% below the UK average of 3.4. However, while lower than the average, it’s still a risk to be aware of, and the overall crime rate remains elevated.

Shoplifting is a significant issue in Portsmouth, with 3,009 reported incidents – 13.5 per 1,000 residents, 78% above the UK average. This indicates a need for enhanced security measures in retail areas.

Crime in Portsmouth is currently decreasing, with a 5.7% year-on-year reduction. However, some crime types, such as shoplifting, have seen increases, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

The most common crimes in Portsmouth are violence and sexual offences (50.1 per 1,000), shoplifting (13.5 per 1,000), and anti-social behaviour (12.5 per 1,000). These represent significant challenges for local authorities and residents.

Portsmouth has a crime rate of 120.1 per 1,000, which is considerably higher than Gosport's rate of 86.0 per 1,000. This indicates that Portsmouth presents a higher level of crime risk compared to its neighbour.

While Portsmouth’s crime rate is above the UK average, it’s important to consider the decreasing trend (5.7% YoY). Factors such as the prevalence of violence and sexual offences (50.1 per 1,000) should be weighed alongside other local amenities and property values.

Portsmouth has a safety score of 71/100, which is below the UK average of 79/100. This indicates a lower perceived level of safety compared to many other areas in the country.

Vehicle crime in Portsmouth has remained relatively stable year-on-year, with a slight decrease of -1.3%. However, it remains a concern, with 4.9 incidents per 1,000 residents, and is higher during the night (39%).

Given the higher rate of violence and sexual offences (50.1 per 1,000), consider proactive security measures like scOS, which uses AI to detect threats before they occur. Traditional CCTV only records after an incident, whereas scOS prevents it.

While anti-social behaviour in Portsmouth is slightly below the UK average (12.5 per 1,000), it still contributes to the overall crime rate and impacts the quality of life for residents. The trend shows a slight decrease of 1.2% year-on-year.