Lancing and Sompting Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Lancing and Sompting, 6.8 crimes were reported in October 2023, placing the area 15% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This translates to a monthly exposure where one resident in every 148 experienced a reported crime during the month. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 35.6% of all incidents, followed by shoplifting (18.9%) and criminal damage and arson (12.6%). These figures align with patterns typical of a built-up area within Adur, where urban density and local amenities may influence crime distribution. The seasonal context of October—shorter days and the approach of Halloween—could contribute to increased incidents, particularly in public spaces where visibility is reduced. While violent crime remains the most prevalent category, shoplifting rates in the area are 124% above the UK average, suggesting specific vulnerabilities in retail environments. This contrast highlights the need to consider both local geography and seasonal rhythms when assessing risk. The relatively low rates of burglary and vehicle crime (71% and 81% below UK averages, respectively) may reflect the area’s lower population density compared to major urban centres, though this hypothesis requires further verification with local demographic data.

October 2023 saw a 242.9% increase in criminal damage and arson, rising from 7 to 24 incidents—a sharp upward trend that may be linked to seasonal factors such as Halloween-related activities or increased property neglect in colder weather. Other crime also surged by 150%, with five incidents reported compared to two in September, potentially reflecting broader patterns of non-specific disorder. Conversely, robbery fell by 66.7% (from 3 to 1), and vehicle crime dropped by 50% (from 6 to 3), which could indicate improved security measures or reduced foot traffic during the month. Shoplifting remains a persistent concern, with rates 124% above the UK average, underscoring the need for targeted interventions in retail areas. Anti-social behaviour was 45% below the UK average, suggesting that community policing or local initiatives may be effectively managing such incidents. The rise in drug-related crimes (+100%) warrants attention, though the small sample size (6 incidents) means this trend should be monitored over subsequent months for confirmation. These fluctuations illustrate the dynamic nature of crime in the area and the importance of context-specific analysis.

The crime rate in Lancing and Sompting fell by 4.9% from 7.1 per 1,000 in September to 6.8 per 1,000 in October, reflecting a modest but measurable decline. On a daily basis, this equates to approximately 6 crimes reported each day in the area, a figure that may feel more tangible to residents. When scaled to the population of 28,302, the monthly exposure rate of 1 crime per 148 residents provides a concrete sense of risk, though this is an aggregate measure and does not account for individual variations in vulnerability. Compared to the UK average, the area’s lower crime rate is particularly pronounced in violent crime (11% below the UK average) and burglary (71% below), which may be attributed to its smaller size and lower levels of social deprivation. However, shoplifting remains a significant outlier, with rates 124% above the national average—a disparity that could be influenced by the area’s retail infrastructure or local policing priorities. These comparisons highlight the importance of contextual analysis, as the same crime rate may carry different implications in a rural versus urban setting.