Adur Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

December 2024 presented a mixed picture for Adur's crime profile, with the most unexpected development being the 111% spike in shoplifting incidents compared to the UK average. This figure, at 1.2 per 1,000 residents, far exceeded the national benchmark of 0.6 per 1,000, despite an overall decline in the area's total crime rate to 5.9 per 1,000—16.9% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. The seasonal context of December, marked by the Christmas shopping peak and dark evenings, likely contributed to the rise in retail theft, though the absence of major festive events in Adur may have limited the usual surge in theft from the person. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 29% of all crimes, but at a rate of 1.7 per 1,000—34% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed with 13.3% of total crimes, though it remained 15% below the national figure. The stark contrast between shoplifting's unexpected surge and the significant drops in other thefts and theft from the person highlights the influence of localized factors, such as the timing of retail promotions and the effectiveness of targeted policing efforts. Adur's relatively low overall crime rate, combined with its position as a coastal commuter town with a mix of residential and commercial areas, suggests that the area's infrastructure and community engagement initiatives may be playing a role in mitigating broader crime trends, even as specific categories like shoplifting show anomalies.

December 2024 saw a striking anomaly in Adur's crime statistics: shoplifting incidents reached 79, a rate of 1.2 per 1,000 residents—111% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This surge in retail theft, occurring amid the Christmas shopping peak, contrasts sharply with the 180% month-on-month increase in drug-related crimes, which rose from 5 to 14. Meanwhile, theft from the person dropped by 80%, from 5 to 1, a decline consistent with the seasonal closure of outdoor venues and reduced foot traffic in high-street areas. The data also reveals a 53.7% decrease in other thefts, from 41 to 19, possibly linked to heightened police presence during the festive period. These shifts highlight the combination of seasonal demand for retail goods and the localized impact of drug-related activity, which remains significantly below the UK average at 0.2 per 1,000. Residents may find the 12 crimes per day figure useful for understanding local crime patterns during December.

Adur's crime rate in December 2024 stood at 5.9 per 1,000 residents, a 10.2% decrease from the previous month's rate of 6.6 per 1,000. This downward trend aligns with the seasonal context of December, which typically sees reduced foot traffic in retail areas and fewer evening activities due to darker nights and holiday closures. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 12 crimes per day over the 31-day period, reflecting a consistent but manageable level of activity. When considering the population of 64,889 residents, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 169 residents. This figure highlights the relatively low incidence of crime in Adur compared to the UK average, though it also underscores the need for ongoing vigilance in areas where crime rates remain above local norms, such as public order offences. The decrease in overall crime rate contrasts with the sharp rise in drug-related incidents, suggesting that targeted interventions in specific areas may have had a mitigating effect elsewhere.