Portsmouth Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In April 2024, Portsmouth's crime rate of 10.3 per 1,000 placed it 33.8% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, a figure that underscores the area's unique crime profile. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 38.7% of all reported crimes, making them the dominant category, followed by anti-social behaviour (10.5%) and shoplifting (10.2%). This pattern aligns with the characteristics of a built-up port city, where high population density, commercial activity, and seasonal fluctuations in outdoor engagement may contribute to elevated levels of certain crime types. The dominance of violent crime, particularly in the 4.0 per 1,000 range, contrasts sharply with the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, a 56% disparity that may reflect local factors such as nightlife density, public transport usage, or demographic composition. Meanwhile, shoplifting's 64% excess over the UK average (0.7 per 1,000) could be attributed to the city's retail infrastructure and the Easter holiday period, which often brings increased foot traffic to commercial areas. Seasonal context further complicates the picture, as April's spring weather and Easter-related events may have influenced both property and violent crime trends, with public order offences (70% above UK average) and criminal damage (53% above) also showing marked elevation. These figures suggest a complex relationship between local geography, community dynamics, and broader national patterns, requiring ongoing analysis to identify actionable insights.

April saw a 47.9% increase in burglary, rising from 48 to 71 incidents, a shift that may reflect seasonal transitions or specific local factors. Conversely, robbery fell sharply by 56.3%, from 16 to 7, potentially linked to Easter-related changes in public activity patterns. Violence and sexual offences remained the dominant category, with 888 incidents recorded—4.0 per 1,000, 56% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour, though lower than the UK average (10% below), contributed 10.5% of total crimes, highlighting persistent community tensions. Shoplifting, at 1.1 per 1,000, was 64% above the UK average, a figure that could correlate with the city's retail presence and springtime foot traffic. These variations illustrate the combination of local conditions and broader national trends, with specific categories showing marked divergence from the UK context.

Portsmouth's crime rate in April 2024 remained stable at 10.1 per 1,000, a 1.9% increase from March's 10.1 per 1,000, showing no significant directional shift. Daily crime activity averaged 77 incidents per day, reflecting the area's persistent need for vigilance. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 97 residents, a figure that contextualises the density of incidents within a population of 222,504. This monthly exposure rate, while consistent with prior months, underscores the ongoing presence of crime in daily life. When compared to the UK average, Portsmouth's crime rate remains elevated, but the stability in month-on-month figures suggests no acute escalation. The population-scaled perspective reveals that while the rate is higher than the national average, the absolute number of incidents does not diverge sharply from expectations for a built-up area with a mix of urban and coastal characteristics.