Adur Crime Rate

Adur maintains a strong safety profile with an overall crime rate of 74.2 per 1,000 people, which sits comfortably below the UK average of 93.1. This is reflected in an impressive safety score of 84/100, positioning the district as a secure location within the West Sussex region. The crime trend in Adur is currently stable, showing a minimal year-over-year increase of just 1.0%. While the area experiences typical urban challenges such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, the statistical data suggests a well-regulated environment. For residents and prospective homeowners, these figures provide reassurance that Adur remains significantly safer than many other parts of the country, with a consistent level of safety maintained throughout the year.

About Adur

Adur is a coastal district in West Sussex that encompasses a unique blend of residential neighbourhoods, maritime heritage, and commercial hubs. The area includes the towns of Shoreham-by-Sea and Lancing, which serve as significant residential bases with strong transport links to Brighton and Worthing. The presence of Shoreham Port and the Shoreham Airport adds an industrial and commercial dimension to the area, which can influence crime statistics through transient worker populations and high-value transport activities.

Demographically, Adur has a diverse population with a mix of affluent coastal properties and more urbanised residential estates. The district's retail centres, particularly in Shoreham, attract significant footfall, which is reflected in the shoplifting statistics—currently one of the top three crime types in the area. The coastal nature of the district also means a seasonal influx of visitors, which can lead to temporary increases in anti-social behaviour and opportunistic theft during the summer months. These geographical and economic factors combine to create a crime profile that is largely driven by retail-related offences and social interactions in public spaces.

Crime in Adur

The crime profile of Adur is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 29.8% of all reported incidents (1,435 crimes). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 17.2% and shoplifting at 17.1%. The high percentage of shoplifting is a notable characteristic of the area, reflecting the concentration of retail activity in the district's town centres.

Property crime in Adur, encompassing burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and criminal damage, occurs at a rate of 28.8 per 1,000 people. While this is below the UK average of 32.9, it represents a significant portion of local police activity. Criminal damage and arson make up 7.6% of total crime, while vehicle crime accounts for 3.5%. Burglary is relatively low at 2.8%, meaning approximately 2.1 incidents occur per 1,000 residents. For homeowners and business owners, these figures suggest that while the risk of serious intrusion is lower than in many urban areas, opportunistic theft and vandalism are more persistent concerns. Protecting commercial premises and residential vehicles is particularly important given the local prevalence of theft-related offences.

Crime Trends in Adur

The crime trend in Adur is currently classified as stable, with a year-over-year increase of only 1.0%. This suggests a high degree of consistency in the district's safety levels. A closer look at the monthly trendData shows that crime rates fluctuated between a low of 5.2 in September 2025 and a peak of 7.3 in July 2025. The summer peak is a common pattern in coastal districts, often tied to increased tourism and outdoor activity during the warmer months.

After the July high, the crime rate saw a steady decline through August and September, before a slight rise to 6.1 in October 2025. This cyclical nature suggests that crime in Adur is influenced by seasonal factors rather than a systemic increase in criminal activity. For residents, this stability is a positive indicator, showing that despite minor monthly shifts, the district remains a consistently safe environment compared to the wider UK average.

When examining the local region, Adur’s crime rate of 74.2 per 1,000 residents is higher than its immediate neighbours. Nearby areas such as Worthing, Brighton and Hove, Horsham, Arun, Lewes, and Mid Sussex are all currently reporting crime rates of 0.0 per 1,000. While these figures suggest that Adur is a pocket of higher activity within West Sussex, it is important to remember that Adur itself remains much safer than the national average. Its crime profile is heavily influenced by its retail centres and coastal visitor numbers. For those comparing local districts, Adur offers a balanced environment that is statistically more active than its rural neighbours but remains a safe coastal community overall.

Protecting Your Property in Adur

The property crime rate in Adur stands at 28.8 per 1,000 people, encompassing burglary, vehicle crime, and criminal damage. While this is below the national average, it indicates that property-related offences are a regular occurrence in the district. Many residents rely on traditional security systems, but these often only provide evidence after a crime has been committed. In an area with a high shoplifting and theft profile, reactive security is often insufficient to stop determined or opportunistic offenders.

A proactive approach, such as that offered by scOS, is far more effective for Adur homeowners. scOS is an AI-powered operating system that monitors all your cameras simultaneously, detecting threats at the property boundary. Instead of just recording a burglary, scOS works to prevent it by identifying suspicious patterns and engaging autonomous responses like lights and speakers to startle intruders. This "first line of defence" strategy is crucial; most criminals will abandon their attempt if they realise they have been detected before even reaching a door or window. For Adur residents, investing in proactive AI intelligence means moving beyond simple footage and toward genuine crime prevention.

How To Keep Safe in Adur

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes in Adur, making up 29.8% of the total. While these statistics can seem concerning, they often include a wide range of incidents. Personal safety in public and private spaces remains a priority for the community.

To stay safe in Adur, consider the following practical tips:

• Be mindful of your surroundings in the town centres of Shoreham and Lancing, particularly during late-night hours when footfall is lower.
• If you are out socialising, ensure you have a planned route home and stay with friends whenever possible.
• Given that shoplifting is also a high-ranking crime (17.1%), business owners should ensure their premises have clear lines of sight and robust security protocols.
• Report any instances of anti-social behaviour to the local council or police, as this helps authorities allocate resources to specific hotspots.
• Ensure your home is well-lit and that any side gates or access points are securely locked to prevent opportunistic criminal damage, which accounts for 7.6% of local crime.