Lancing and Sompting Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 28,302 residents, Lancing and Sompting recorded 163 crimes in November 2023, translating to a crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000 people. This figure is 22.7% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, marking one of the lowest rates in the region. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, contributing 39.3% of the total (64 incidents), followed by criminal damage and arson (21 incidents, 12.9%) and shoplifting (16 incidents, 9.8%). The seasonal context of November—marked by Bonfire Night, Black Friday shopping, and shorter evenings—may influence patterns, though the data shows a notable absence of property crimes compared to other months. Violent crimes dominated the landscape, a trend consistent with the area's mix of residential and retail spaces, where high foot traffic during shopping periods could contribute to such incidents. The lower-than-UK-average rates for vehicle crime (60% below) and anti-social behaviour (43% below) suggest effective local policing or community engagement strategies, though this remains speculative without further data. The breakdown also reveals a stark contrast in property crime: shoplifting and criminal damage accounted for over 22% of total incidents, while burglary and theft from the person were comparatively rare, with only 3 and 1 cases respectively. This pattern may reflect the area's retail density and the impact of seasonal sales events, though the absence of direct links to specific local factors remains cautious.

November saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories. Possession of weapons surged by 150% (from 2 to 5 incidents), a sharp increase that may relate to seasonal events or unexplained factors. Vehicle crime also rose by 100% (3 to 6 incidents), potentially linked to increased traffic during Black Friday or changes in parking patterns. Conversely, shoplifting dropped by 55.6% (from 36 to 16 incidents), due to heightened police presence during peak shopping periods or the impact of online sales. Other notable shifts included a 27.3% increase in other theft (11 to 14 incidents) and a 60% decrease in other crime (from 5 to 2 incidents). The violent crime category—violence and sexual offences—remained 11% below the UK average (2.3 per 1,000 vs 2.6 per 1,000), a trend that may reflect the area's relatively stable community dynamics. Criminal damage and arson, however, exceeded the UK average by 19%, indicating a localized challenge that deserves closer attention. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.6 per 1,000, was 43% below the UK average of 1.1 per 1,000, suggesting effective community policing or lower population density in key areas. These fluctuations highlight the complexity of crime trends and the need for targeted interventions.

Compared to the previous month, November 2023 saw a 14.7% decrease in the overall crime rate, dropping from 6.8 per 1,000 to 5.8 per 1,000. This decline places Lancing and Sompting among the safer built-up areas in the UK, though the monthly exposure of 1 crime per 174 residents still reflects the need for vigilance. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 5 crimes per day in November, a figure that may seem high to residents but is consistent with the broader UK context of 7.5 per 1,000. When scaled to the local population, the rate of 5.8 per 1,000 translates to a relatively low risk for individuals, with fewer than 1 in 100 residents affected by crime each month. This comparison underscores the area's success in maintaining safety despite seasonal pressures, though the drop in shoplifting and theft from the person may indicate temporary measures rather than long-term trends. The population context—28,302 residents—means that each reported crime carries a measurable impact, with 163 incidents representing a noticeable but manageable proportion of the community. These figures, while reassuring, should be interpreted alongside local initiatives and broader socioeconomic factors that may influence crime patterns.