Adur’s crime rate in February 2026 stood at 4.7 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 26.6% below the UK average of 6.4. This disparity underscores a broader trend of lower crime rates in Adur compared to the national picture, though the local profile reveals distinct patterns. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 33.2% of all crimes, a figure that, while the most common category, was 31% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 18.1% of reported incidents, while shoplifting at 12.2% was the third most frequent category. These figures suggest a mix of social and economic factors at play, with the area’s relatively low levels of violent crime possibly linked to its coastal, semi-rural character and lower population density. Seasonal context also appears relevant: February, a winter month with low outdoor activity, typically sees a pre-spring lull in crime, though the sharp rise in vehicle crime defies this pattern. The UK average for violence and sexual offences is 2.3 per 1,000, yet Adur’s rate of 1.6 per 1,000 indicates a lower risk of such incidents, likely influenced by the area’s demographic makeup and community structures. However, the slight increase in shoplifting — 3% above the UK average — hints at localized pressures, such as retail activity in the area’s towns. The overall crime rate, while below the national average, remains a reminder that even low rates can have significant impacts on residents’ perceptions of safety, particularly in areas where specific crime types spike unexpectedly.