Portsmouth City Council, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and partner agencies have launched a new three‑year strategy (2025–2028) to reduce violent crime and drug‑related harm in Portsmouth, Hampshire. The strategy aims to make the city’s streets safer and provide more support for people who are homeless or who are struggling with mental health.
Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones (PCC for Hampshire & Isle of Wight) has pledged to recruit 75 additional officers under her ‘More Police, Safer Streets’ programme to help tackle knife crime and anti‑social behaviour. The strategy also includes investment in improved street lighting and more CCTV to help women and girls feel safer in public spaces.
To help people without permanent homes, Portsmouth City Council has approved a record £31.28 million to buy at least 200 properties for temporary accommodation. The council says the investment is intended to break the cycle of homelessness and is expected to save up to about £6 million per year by 2028/29.
Local leaders, including Chief Inspector Sarah Nicholson, the district commander for Portsmouth, are focusing activity on crime ‘hotspots’ identified by residents as feeling unsafe. Recent CrimeRate.co.uk figures show Portsmouth recorded about 102 crimes per 1,000 people in 2025 — roughly 56% higher than the Hampshire rate of 65 per 1,000 — a disparity officials cite in arguing the urgency of these safety measures.
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