Community safety survey

Every two years since 2012, we’ve trained students from the University of Portsmouth to talk face-to-face with around 1,000 local residents.

The aim is to hear directly from people about their experiences and views on crime and anti-social behaviour in the city.

This survey is important because it gives us insight that doesn’t rely on people reporting issues to the police or other services. It helps us build a clearer picture of what’s happening in Portsmouth and shapes the plans we make to tackle these issues.

From 7 February to 8 March 2024, we spoke with residents across the city – from John Pounds and Eastney Community Centres to Cosham High Street and Paulsgrove.

These sessions were part of our community safety survey, helping us understand how people feel about crime and anti-social behaviour in their neighbourhoods.

Crime experience

• The number of residents reporting at least one crime has stayed about the same since 2014.

Most reported crimes

• Online fraud – 7.6%
• Threats or intimidation – 5.7%
• Phishing with loss – 4.7%
• Sexual harassment or abuse – 2.8%
• Hate crime – 2.8%

Reporting

• 54% of crimes were reported, mostly to the police.
• Cybercrimes were often reported to banks or online platforms.

Anti-social behaviour

• Levels remain steady.
• Most common issues:
  • Drug use or supply – 15%
  • Traffic problems – 12%
  • Groups loitering – 11%

Perceptions of safety

• Over half of respondents named areas where they feel unsafe.
• Most mentioned:
  • City Centre/Commercial Road – 13%
  • Somerstown – 12%
  • Buckland – 12%

• Portsmouth Community Safety Survey 2024
• Portsmouth Community Safety Survey 2024 Executive Summary

If you need copies of older surveys that are not online, email: csresearchers@portsmouthcc.gov.uk