Adur Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Adur’s December 2023 crime rate of 5.1 per 1,000 residents places it 29.2% below the UK average, a significant gap that underscores the area’s generally safer profile. The most common crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 32.7% of all reported incidents. This rate of 1.7 per 1,000 is 35% below the UK average, a contrast that may be partly explained by Adur’s mix of residential and coastal communities, where community policing and lower population density can contribute to lower violent crime rates. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 18.2% of all crimes, a figure that remains 3% below the UK average. The seasonal context of December—marked by Christmas shopping, dark evenings, and the potential for empty homes during holidays—likely influenced these patterns. For instance, the sharp 55.7% decrease in shoplifting compared to November may reflect both reduced foot traffic and the closure of some retail outlets. However, the absence of a corresponding drop in vehicle crime (which rose by 46.2%) suggests other factors, such as increased car travel during the festive period, may have played a role. The overall crime profile in Adur appears to be shaped by its geographical and demographic characteristics, with the relatively low rates of property crime and violent offences reinforcing its position as a safer area compared to the national average. These trends, while consistent with broader seasonal patterns, also highlight the need for continued monitoring of specific categories like 'Other crime', which saw a dramatic 100% increase and may indicate emerging issues requiring further investigation.

December 2023 saw a striking 100% increase in 'Other crime' reports, rising from five to ten incidents. This category, which includes offences not falling under more specific classifications, surged despite no other major crime types showing similar volatility. Meanwhile, shoplifting dropped by 55.7% compared to November, aligning with the seasonal slowdown in retail activity and the closure of some shops over the Christmas period. Vehicle crime also rose sharply, with a 46.2% increase to 19 incidents. This contrasts with the 33% UK-wide average for vehicle crime, suggesting local factors such as increased car usage during holiday travel may have contributed. 'Other crime' is 67% above the UK average (0.1 per 1,000), a disparity that may reflect the area’s unique demographic or reporting practices. For residents, the 100% increase in 'Other crime' serves as a reminder to remain vigilant, particularly in less monitored areas during peak holiday hours.

Adur's December 2023 crime rate of 5.1 per 1,000 residents marks a 15.0% decline from the previous month’s rate of 6.0 per 1,000. This downward trend aligns with the seasonal context of December, which typically sees reduced outdoor activity and fewer visitors in the area. On a daily basis, 11 crimes were reported over the 31 days, translating to a local monthly exposure rate of one crime for every 197 residents. This figure is consistent with Adur’s historically lower crime profile compared to the UK average, though the 1-in-197 ratio provides a concrete measure of risk for residents. The population of 64,889 further contextualises these numbers, showing that while crime remains a concern, it is proportionally less frequent than in many other areas. The drop in rates may reflect the quieter pace of life during the holiday season, though this remains a tentative interpretation given the lack of additional data.