Adur Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Adur's crime profile in May 2023, accounting for 38.2% of all reported crimes—nearly double the share of the next most common category. With a crime rate of 7.6 per 1,000 residents, Adur fell 5.0% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, reflecting a slightly safer environment compared to the national picture. The dominance of violent crime aligns with seasonal patterns typical of this coastal district, where longer evenings and bank holidays may contribute to increased socialising in public spaces. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences followed, though Adur recorded 17% fewer anti-social behaviour incidents than the UK average. Shoplifting, meanwhile, stood out as a significant local concern, with rates 63% above the UK average—a figure consistent with the area's retail presence along the South Downs Way. The data suggests a combination of local demographics and environmental factors, with violent crime likely influenced by the district's mix of residential and tourist-oriented communities. This pattern contrasts with lower-than-average rates for vehicle crime and burglary, which may reflect Adur's relatively low density of car parks and secure housing stock.

May 2023 saw a stark 200% increase in 'Other crime' incidents, rising from three to nine cases—a jump that may reflect underreported or newly emerging offence types. Possession of weapons also surged by 133%, with seven incidents reported compared to three in April, though this remains a small category overall. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 52.9% as reported incidents dropped from 17 to eight, potentially linked to reduced parking congestion during May's school holidays. The crime mix shifted with violent crime maintaining its dominance while property crime accounted for just 31% of total incidents—a lower share than the UK average. Adur's shoplifting rate, at 0.8 per 1,000 residents, was 63% above the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000, highlighting a specific challenge for local retailers. Residents may find the 13% month-on-month increase in overall crime rates (from 6.8 to 7.6 per 1,000) noteworthy, though this remains a relatively low figure compared to other areas. The 4% UK average exceedance for violence and sexual offences (2.9 vs 2.8 per 1,000) underscores the need for targeted policing in high-traffic areas.

Adur's crime rate in May 2023 rose 13.0% compared to April's 6.8 per 1,000, though it still remained below the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 16 crimes per day—a figure that, while seemingly high, translates to a monthly exposure rate of 1 crime per 131 residents. This monthly aggregate suggests that the average resident faces a lower risk than the UK average, where the equivalent figure would be 1-in-125. The population context is critical: with 64,889 residents, Adur's crime statistics must be interpreted within the framework of its coastal geography and relatively low urban density. While the 13% month-on-month increase may seem concerning, it is offset by the area's consistently lower-than-average rates for vehicle crime and burglary. The daily crime count provides a more immediate sense of local activity, though it should be balanced against Adur's broader socioeconomic profile. Residents may find the 1-in-131 monthly exposure figure more meaningful than raw totals, as it contextualises crime within the community's size and structure.