Adur Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Adur's February 2024 crime rate of 4.7 per 1,000 residents places it 33.8% below the UK average of 7.1, marking a significant contrast to the national picture. This local authority district, which includes coastal towns and rural areas, consistently demonstrates a crime profile that diverges from the UK norm. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (36.6% of total), followed by shoplifting (20.1%) and anti-social behaviour (12.5%). While violence and sexual offences in Adur are 32% below the UK average, shoplifting rates are higher, at 67% above the national figure. This divergence may reflect the area's retail density, particularly in the coastal towns of Worthing and Littlehampton, where high street activity could drive shoplifting incidents. The lower rates of burglary (67% below UK average) and vehicle crime (77% below) suggest effective local security measures or demographic factors, such as a higher proportion of homeowners in the area. Seasonal context also plays a role: February, a winter month with low outdoor activity, typically sees a pre-spring lull in property crime, though this was partially offset by sharp increases in other categories. The overall crime rate's proximity to the UK average in some categories, coupled with marked differences in others, illustrates the combination of local characteristics and national trends.

February 2024 saw significant shifts in crime patterns across Adur. Other crime surged by 100% (from 4 to 8 incidents), while possession of weapons doubled (from 1 to 2). Drug-related offences rose by 22.2%, indicating potential changes in local drug activity or reporting practices. Conversely, bicycle theft fell sharply by 75% (from 4 to 1), possibly reflecting seasonal trends or increased awareness. Burglary and vehicle crime also declined, with burglary dropping 57.1% (from 7 to 3) and vehicle crime falling 41.7% (from 12 to 7). These decreases may align with the winter lull in outdoor activity, though the sharp rise in shoplifting (61 incidents, 20.1% of total crimes) suggests a different dynamic, as this category is 67% above the UK average. The violence and sexual offences category, at 111 incidents (36.6% of total), remains 32% below the UK rate, which may be attributable to Adur's lower population density and community-focused policing strategies. Anti-social behaviour (38 incidents) is 43% below the UK average, reflecting local initiatives or demographic factors. These contrasting trends highlight the need for targeted interventions in areas where crime rates deviate significantly from national norms.

Adur's February 2024 crime rate of 4.7 per 1,000 residents represents a 19.6% decrease from the previous month's rate of 5.8, underscoring a continuing downward trend. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 10 crimes per day over the 29-day period, a figure that, while low, remains a local benchmark for residents. When scaled to the population of 64,889, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for roughly every 214 residents, a statistic that provides context for individual risk perception. This monthly aggregate highlights that while Adur's overall crime rate is markedly below the UK average, the absolute number of crimes still requires attention, particularly in categories like shoplifting. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Adur's residents face a lower likelihood of experiencing crime compared to the UK average, but specific local challenges—such as the sharp rise in shoplifting—demand targeted responses. The contrast between Adur's lower burglary rates (67% below UK average) and its higher shoplifting rates (67% above) suggests a need for differentiated policing strategies, balancing efforts between retail security and broader community engagement. These figures, while indicative of a generally safer environment, also highlight the importance of addressing niche crime trends to maintain the area's relative security.