Adur Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Adur

Adur, a local authority district in West Sussex with a population of 64,889, reports an overall crime rate of 74.9 per 1,000 residents per year. This figure places Adur significantly below the national average for England and Wales, which stands at 93.4 crimes per 1,000 people. The area’s safety is further highlighted by its safety score of 84 out of 100, comfortably exceeding the UK average safety score of 78. While the overall crime trend in Adur has remained relatively stable, showing a slight increase of 2.7% year-over-year, these statistics provide a reassuring overview of safety within the district, setting the context for a more detailed analysis of specific crime types and trends.

About Adur

Adur is a coastal district in West Sussex, characterised by a blend of urban, suburban, and semi-rural landscapes. Its geography, encompassing parts of the South Downs National Park and a significant stretch of coastline along the English Channel, contributes to a diverse environment. Major urban settlements within the district include Shoreham-by-Sea and Lancing, which serve as key residential and commercial hubs. The River Adur flows through the district, influencing its character and providing leisure opportunities, while transport links such as the A27 and the railway line facilitate connectivity across the region.

Demographically, Adur is primarily residential, with a population of 64,889. While it benefits from local employment opportunities, many residents commute to larger centres like Brighton and Hove or Worthing. The presence of a varied economy, including some light industry, retail, and tourism, shapes the daily activities and flow of people. These characteristics, including a relatively stable population and a mix of residential and leisure areas, contribute to the crime statistics observed in Adur, providing insights into the underlying factors influencing the district's overall crime rate and safety score.

Crime Type Analysis in Adur

An examination of crime types in Adur reveals that Violence and sexual offences constitute the most prevalent category, accounting for 1,450 incidents, or 22.4 per 1,000 residents, representing 29.8% of all recorded crimes. Following this, Shoplifting is the second most common offence with 875 crimes (13.5 per 1,000, 18.0% of the total), indicative of retail-related challenges. Anti-social behaviour ranks as the third most frequent crime, with 814 recorded incidents (12.5 per 1,000, 16.7% of the total).

Focusing on property-related crime, Adur experiences a rate of 29.4 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This category encompasses various offences, including burglary (2.1 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (5.6 per 1,000), other theft (4.4 per 1,000), vehicle crime (2.6 per 1,000), robbery (0.6 per 1,000), bicycle theft (0.4 per 1,000), and theft from the person (0.2 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these figures suggest a comparatively lower risk of property crime than the national average, though vigilance and appropriate security measures remain important to safeguard homes and belongings.

Crime Trends in Adur

Adur has experienced a stable crime trend over the last year, with a modest 2.7% increase in total reported crimes year-over-year. Analysing the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents provides further insight into these patterns. Over the past year, crime rates fluctuated, with notable lower points in September 2025 (5.2 per 1,000) and January 2025 (5.6 per 1,000), suggesting periods of reduced criminal activity. Conversely, the highest rates were observed in July 2025 (7.3 per 1,000) and May 2025 (7.1 per 1,000), indicating specific months where crime incidents saw a temporary rise. Despite these monthly variations, the overall year-on-year change remains small, suggesting that while there are minor fluctuations, the general crime landscape in Adur is not undergoing significant shifts. For residents, this stable trend means that the overall risk environment has not drastically changed, allowing for informed decisions regarding personal and property safety based on consistent data.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When considering the broader regional context, Adur's crime statistics offer a favourable comparison to several nearby areas. With an overall crime rate of 74.9 per 1,000 and a robust safety score of 84/100, Adur generally presents a safer environment. For instance, comparing Adur to larger urban centres like Brighton and Hove, which typically experience higher crime rates due to population density and diverse activities, highlights Adur's relative tranquility. Similarly, while areas such as Worthing, Horsham, Arun, Lewes, and Mid Sussex each have their own unique crime profiles influenced by their specific characteristics (e.g., urban, rural, commercial activity), Adur's consistent safety score suggests it maintains a strong position within the region. This regional comparison helps residents and those considering moving to Adur understand its relative safety within the local landscape, offering valuable context for local safety perceptions.

Protecting Your Property in Adur

Given Adur's property crime rate of 29.4 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the national average, it remains crucial for homeowners to consider robust security measures. While traditional security systems often focus on recording incidents after they occur, a proactive approach to crime prevention is far more effective. Modern solutions, such as an AI-powered home security operating system like scOS, are designed to prevent crime before it happens, fundamentally changing the game for property protection.

Instead of merely providing footage of a burglary, scOS intervenes in real-time. This professional-grade system uses multi-camera intelligence to detect threats at your property boundary, acting as a visible deterrent that makes potential intruders move on within their critical 60-second decision window. Features like DVLA vehicle verification, pattern learning to distinguish residents from threats, and autonomous responses (e.g., lights and speakers activating) provide a comprehensive defence. While DIY systems have their place, professional proactive security offers a distinct advantage, ensuring your property in Adur is genuinely protected rather than just monitored.