Lancing and Sompting Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Lancing and Sompting’s December 2023 crime rate of 5.1 per 1,000 residents marked a 29.2% deficit compared to the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000, underscoring the area’s consistently lower-than-average crime profile. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 42.7% of all reported incidents (61 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (14.0%) and criminal damage and arson (9.8%). This distribution suggests a focus on interpersonal and public disorder issues, which may be linked to the area’s built-up nature and seasonal factors. December’s crime pattern is consistent with typical winter trends, including reduced daylight hours and holiday-related disruptions. However, the sharp increase in 'other crime'—a category that includes unclassified offences—was unexpected, hinting at either underreporting in prior months or emerging criminal activities. The area’s low property crime rate (28.7% of total crimes) contrasts with UK averages, possibly reflecting effective local policing or a demographic profile less prone to burglary and vehicle theft. While the festive season typically sees spikes in retail-related crimes, Lancing and Sompting’s shoplifting rate fell by 43.8%, indicating that local strategies—such as surveillance or community engagement—may have mitigated risks. The broader context of a built-up area within Adur, likely with a mix of residential and commercial spaces, means that crime dynamics are shaped by both urban and suburban influences. These factors, combined with the area’s historical performance, suggest that Lancing and Sompting’s crime profile is more influenced by targeted interventions and community characteristics than by broader national trends.

December 2023 brought a striking increase in 'other crime,' rising by 150% from 2 to 5 incidents. This category, which includes unclassified or less common offences, saw a significant jump that contrasts with declines in other areas. Meanwhile, shoplifting dropped by 43.8% (from 16 to 9 cases), likely influenced by festive shopping patterns and heightened police presence in retail zones. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 25%, reaching 20 incidents, suggesting a potential link to seasonal social gatherings or holiday-related tensions. The area’s rate for 'other crime' was 67% above the UK average, while 'possession of weapons' was 233% above, both figures indicating areas warranting closer attention. These shifts, though not directly tied to specific events, may reflect evolving criminal tactics or reporting trends in the area.

December 2023 saw a 12.3% decrease in Lancing and Sompting’s crime rate, dropping from 5.8 to 5.1 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with a broader trend observed in the final months of the year, though the area’s rate remains significantly below the UK average. On a daily basis, 5 crimes were reported over 31 days, translating to roughly one reported crime for every 198 residents over the month. This figure underscores the relatively low frequency of crime in the area compared to national standards. When scaled to the local population of 28,302, the monthly exposure of 1-in-198 residents highlights the manageable risk level for most residents. The contrast with the previous month’s rate also suggests seasonal factors—such as reduced retail activity and holiday-related absences—may have contributed to the drop. However, the area’s consistently low crime rate, even during peak shopping periods, reflects a combination of local policing efforts and community characteristics that appear to deter criminal activity.