OPINION: Why Portsmouth’s nighttime venues need smarter CCTV
As Portsmouth’s night-time economy faces a projected decline in venues by 2030, safety concerns are taking center stage.
Recent data reveals that a staggering 82% of women feel unsafe in public spaces after dark, citing antisocial behavior and violence as persistent issues. In response, local businesses and authorities are prioritizing a visible police presence and advanced CCTV integration. By aligning private security with city-wide surveillance, Portsmouth aims to revitalize its hospitality sector, ensuring that regeneration projects can thrive in a safer, more secure environment.
One year on from Portsmouth MP Stephen Morgan’s meeting with police following the announcement of an additional £1 billion in law enforcement funding, local businesses are reflecting on the pressures facing the city’s night-time economy.
Recent data show that Portsmouth is projected to have only 962 venues open by 2030, a decrease of over 1,000 from today. Earlier in March, portsmouth.co.uk covered the closure of a popular cocktail bar and restaurant, showing this trend in action, and the worrying implications for businesses navigating an unsteady economic landscape.
The former owner of Eden, a since-shuttered nightclub in Gunwharf Quays, was quoted as saying, “Gunwharf is not a fan of late-night leases," hinting that city regulations and a rising cost of living are changing the nightlife scene in Portsmouth.
The city council’s Community Safety Plan, which aims to tackle anti-social behaviour, drug crime, and violence, mirrors wider efforts to address safety in night-time economies across the UK. 2024 marked the first time Portsmouth city centre locations topped the list of places residents felt unsafe at night, with 21% of women saying this feeling persists regardless of the time of day. When asked what would help citizens feel safer, the most common answers were visible police presence and more CCTV cameras.
Wider research from the UK Statistics Authority supports these findings, revealing 82% of women feel unsafe in public spaces after dark.
Violence and sexual offences remain the most commonly recorded crimes in Central Portsmouth, closely followed by antisocial behaviour, all of which are closely associated with night-time activity in the city centre.
Local partnerships say tackling these issues requires close coordination between venues, police, and the council, particularly during peak weekend hours. The Safer Portsmouth Partnership, which brings together local authorities, police, and community organisations, has identified reducing anti-social behaviour, substance misuse, and violent crime as key priorities across the city.
Though initiatives to prepare local businesses for terror attacks were well-received, a recent report published by the council’s Traffic, Environment and Community Safety Panel raised concerns from residents and business owners surrounding police communication and effectiveness in tackling certain crimes, such as hate attacks.
The local Contabulary already makes use of CCTV images in public outreach campaigns, utilising the network of city council-operated cameras across the city. Police highlight the role of CCTV in supporting investigations into offences linked to the night-time economy. Footage from public and privately operated systems can be used to help identify suspects and verify incidents.
Many hospitality businesses are aligning their own security measures with those used in public spaces. Venue operators often install cameras at entrances, bar areas, and external queues to monitor activity during busy periods and provide additional visibility for staff managing crowds. These systems, such as cloud-based CCTV, document incidents and share footage with authorities where required.
Research from the College of Policing suggests that CCTV can reduce crime by around 13%, particularly when used alongside other measures such as lighting, staff training, and visible security. The guidance also indicates that faster identification contributes to better outcomes in busy public spaces.
Urban renewal and major regeneration projects across Portsmouth, including housing, hospitality, and green spaces, are expected to rekindle interest in the city’s late-night economy.