Lancing and Sompting Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Lancing and Sompting

Lancing and Sompting, a built-up area within Adur with a population of 28,302, records an overall crime rate of 76.6 per 1,000 residents per year. This figure is notably lower than the national average for England and Wales, which stands at 93.4 crimes per 1,000 people. The area's safety is reflected in its safety score of 84 out of 100, surpassing the UK average safety score of 78. However, the crime trend in Lancing and Sompting shows an increase of 9.0% year-over-year, indicating a rising pattern in reported incidents. These statistics provide a comprehensive overview of the safety landscape, offering valuable context for residents and those interested in the area.

Crime Type Analysis in Lancing and Sompting

An analysis of crime types in Lancing and Sompting reveals that Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 637 incidents, or 22.5 per 1,000 residents, making up 29.4% of all recorded crimes. Shoplifting ranks as the second most common offence with 461 crimes (16.3 per 1,000, 21.3% of the total), suggesting a significant issue for local retail. Anti-social behaviour is the third most frequent category, with 333 recorded incidents (11.8 per 1,000, 15.4% of the total).

Focusing on property-related crime, Lancing and Sompting experiences a rate of 30.4 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This category includes burglary (1.5 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (5.0 per 1,000), other theft (4.6 per 1,000), vehicle crime (1.8 per 1,000), robbery (0.7 per 1,000), bicycle theft (0.2 per 1,000), and theft from the person (0.2 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these figures indicate a moderate risk of property crime, making it essential to consider comprehensive security measures to protect homes and belongings effectively.

Crime Trends in Lancing and Sompting

Lancing and Sompting has experienced an increasing crime trend over the last year, with a notable 9.0% rise in total reported crimes year-over-year. Examining the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents provides a more granular view of this pattern. The data shows fluctuations, with lower crime rates observed in January 2025 (4.2 per 1,000) and September 2025 (4.9 per 1,000). Conversely, the highest rates were recorded in May 2025 (7.9 per 1,000), December 2024 (7.6 per 1,000), and March 2025 (7.5 per 1,000). The significant increase year-over-year suggests a need for residents to be aware of the changing crime landscape. Understanding these monthly peaks and troughs can help individuals make informed decisions about their safety and security measures in the area.

Time-Based Crime Patterns in Lancing and Sompting

Understanding when crimes typically occur can provide valuable insights for residents in Lancing and Sompting. During the morning hours (6am-12pm), theft-related offences are particularly prominent, accounting for 50% of crimes, followed by 'Other' crime types at 32%. This period often coincides with commercial opening hours and times when properties might be left unattended.

In the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft continues to dominate, making up 54% of incidents, with burglary also having a noticeable presence at 12%. This suggests that daytime activities, including shopping and people being out of their homes, create opportunities for such crimes. As the evening progresses (6pm-12am), 'Other' crime types become the most significant category at 57%, alongside theft (22%), burglary (11%), and vehicle crime (11%), possibly reflecting increased social activity and darker hours.

Night-time (12am-6am) sees a shift in patterns, with 'Other' crime types (41%) and vehicle crime (30%) becoming particularly elevated. Burglary also remains a significant concern at 16%. This period typically presents fewer witnesses and greater opportunities for crimes targeting unattended vehicles and properties.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When evaluating Lancing and Sompting's crime profile, comparisons with neighbouring areas provide valuable regional context. With an overall crime rate of 76.6 per 1,000 and a safety score of 84/100, Lancing and Sompting generally maintains a favourable position. For instance, Sompting, an adjacent area, shares similar community characteristics, making direct comparisons particularly relevant. Shoreham-by-Sea, another nearby coastal town, also offers a useful benchmark for understanding local crime dynamics. While larger urban centres like Worthing may present different crime challenges due to their size and population density, Lancing and Sompting's figures indicate a relatively consistent safety level within its immediate vicinity. Comparing these statistics helps residents gauge the local safety environment and understand how their area fits into the broader regional crime landscape, aiding in informed decision-making.

Protecting Your Property in Lancing and Sompting

With Lancing and Sompting experiencing a property crime rate of 30.4 per 1,000 residents, implementing effective home security is a key consideration. While traditional CCTV cameras provide footage after an incident, the focus should shift towards proactive prevention. An AI-powered home security operating system like scOS offers a significant advancement, designed to deter and prevent crime before it escalates at your property.

Instead of simply recording a burglary, scOS actively intervenes. This professional-grade system employs multi-camera intelligence to detect threats at your property boundary, destroying the element of surprise that burglars rely on. Features such as DVLA vehicle verification, pattern learning to recognise familiar routines, and autonomous responses (like activating lights and speakers) create a formidable deterrent. The right security system makes that 60-second decision easy for potential intruders – they move on. Positioned as a proactive alternative, scOS ensures your property in Lancing and Sompting is truly secured against potential threats, moving beyond mere reactive monitoring.