Lancing and Sompting Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Lancing and Sompting’s crime rate in September 2023 stood at 7.1 per 1,000 residents, 11.3% below the UK average of 8.0. This figure, while lower than the national benchmark, conceals significant fluctuations within specific crime categories. Violence and sexual offences dominated, accounting for 40.3% of all incidents, with 81 recorded cases—2.9 per 1,000 residents. This rate was 6% above the UK average, a discrepancy that may be attributed to the area’s seasonal dynamics. As September marks the transition from summer to autumn, the return of students to universities and schools likely contributes to increased social activity, which could partly explain the rise in violent crime. Shoplifting, the second most common crime, saw a dramatic 73% decrease from 178 to 48 incidents, though its rate remained 204% above the UK average. This anomaly may reflect the presence of high-footfall retail areas or targeted enforcement efforts. Anti-social behaviour, while down overall, remained 48% below the UK average, suggesting a generally lower prevalence of such incidents. The seasonal context—back-to-school periods, shorter evenings, and the start of the academic term—may have influenced these patterns, with increased foot traffic and social interactions contributing to the rise in violent crime and the decline in property-related offences. Residents should be aware of the sharp increase in robbery and bicycle theft, which may signal a need for heightened vigilance in areas frequented by students and commuters.

September 2023 marked a sharp rise in robbery, with incidents tripling from one to three—a 200% increase. This spike, alongside a 100% rise in bicycle theft, suggests a shift in criminal activity patterns. Violence and sexual offences also climbed by 28.6%, reaching 81 incidents—2.9 per 1,000 residents, 6% above the UK average. These figures contrast with the 73% drop in shoplifting, which fell from 178 to 48, possibly due to seasonal factors or increased enforcement. The area’s shoplifting rate was 204% above the UK average, a stark anomaly that may reflect local retail dynamics or targeted criminal behaviour. Residents should be particularly alert to the rise in robberies, which now occur at a rate of 0.1 per 1,000—three times the UK average for this category. This divergence highlights the need for community vigilance and targeted policing in areas where such crimes are concentrated.

Lancing and Sompting's crime rate in September 2023 fell to 7.1 per 1,000 residents, a 39.8% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 11.8. This drop reflects a broader trend, with 201 crimes reported over 30 days—roughly seven per day. On a monthly basis, this equates to one reported crime for every 141 residents, a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents within the local population. While the overall rate is down, the distribution of crime types has shifted, with property crimes now accounting for 39.3% of the total, compared to 40.3% for violent crimes in August. This shift may be influenced by seasonal factors, such as the return to school and university, which could reduce certain types of activity while increasing others. The population-scaled perspective highlights that while the area remains below the UK average, residents should remain vigilant, particularly given the spikes in specific crime categories. Daily crime data shows a manageable level of incidents, but the monthly exposure figure underscores that crime remains a present concern for the community.