Lancing and Sompting Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Lancing and Sompting’s crime rate of 4.9 per 1,000 residents in February 2024 placed the area 31% below the UK average, a marked contrast to the national figure of 7.1. This lower rate aligns with the area’s built-up character within Adur, where urban planning and community infrastructure may contribute to reduced crime exposure. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (38.9% of all incidents), shoplifting (22.3%), and anti-social behaviour (10.1%), reflecting patterns consistent with areas that balance residential and commercial zones. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may have influenced these trends, as reduced foot traffic and colder weather often correlate with lower property crime rates. However, the dominance of violent offences suggests local factors, such as social dynamics or policing priorities, may play a role. Shoplifting’s 104% above the UK average highlights a specific challenge, linked to retail density or targeted offender activity. While the overall crime rate remains comparatively low, the area’s crime profile illustrates a combination of seasonal rhythms and localised vulnerabilities, requiring ongoing attention to maintain safety standards.

February 2024 saw notable shifts in crime trends, with public order offences doubling from four to eight incidents, a 100% increase. This rise may reflect heightened community activity during the month’s pre-spring transition. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by two-thirds, from three to one incident, suggesting a seasonal dip in outdoor theft opportunities. Shoplifting, which accounted for 22.3% of all crimes, was 104% above the UK average, a stark contrast to the area’s overall lower crime rate. This discrepancy could indicate localised pressures, such as retail foot traffic patterns or targeted policing efforts. Meanwhile, possession of weapons rose from zero to one incident, a 100% increase that, while statistically significant, remains an isolated occurrence. These fluctuations illustrate the dynamic nature of crime in the area, influenced by both local and national factors.

Lancing and Sompting's crime rate in February 2024 dropped to 4.9 per 1,000 residents, a 19.2% decline from the previous month’s rate of 6.1. This reduction places the area significantly below the UK average, which stood at 7.1 per 1,000 for the same period. Locally, the monthly crime count of 139 translates to roughly five reported incidents per day, a figure that reflects the area’s relatively low overall crime profile. Over the course of February, one crime occurred for every 204 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the area’s comparative safety. When scaled to population size, this suggests that residents face a lower risk of encountering crime than the national average, though local factors such as community engagement and policing strategies may contribute to this trend. The daily crime count, while consistent with the area’s historical patterns, remains a useful metric for residents to contextualise their personal risk, especially during months with seasonal fluctuations in activity levels.