Lancing and Sompting Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Lancing and Sompting’s crime profile in May 2024, accounting for 36.3% of all reported incidents. This category, with a rate of 2.6 per 1,000 residents, remained 8% below the UK average, suggesting the area’s built-up nature and community policing efforts may help mitigate such crimes. Anti-social behaviour followed at 15.9% of total incidents.1 per 1,000 residents was 24% below the UK average, potentially reflecting successful local initiatives in addressing nuisance crimes. The third most common category, criminal damage and arson (13.9% of incidents), saw a notable 86.7% increase from April, with its rate of 1.0 per 1,000 residents 61% above the UK average. This discrepancy may indicate unique local pressures, such as increased outdoor activity during May’s longer evenings and bank holidays. The area’s overall crime rate of 7.1 per 1,000 residents — 15.5% below the UK’s 8.4 — highlights its relatively low risk profile despite seasonal spikes in certain categories. The mix of property and violent crimes in May (80 property and 73 violent) suggests a balanced but evolving pattern, with property crimes remaining stable compared to the previous month. Seasonal factors, including warmer weather and extended daylight hours, likely contributed to higher socialising in public spaces, which may explain the rise in anti-social behaviour and criminal damage. However, the area’s consistent performance below national averages for most categories indicates effective crime prevention measures, even as local dynamics shift with the season.

May 2024 saw a 100% increase in anti-social behaviour, with reports doubling from 16 to 32 incidents. This surge aligns with seasonal patterns, as longer evenings and bank holidays likely contributed to heightened socialising in public spaces. Concurrently, criminal damage and arson rose 86.7%, from 15 to 28 cases, suggesting a possible link to increased outdoor activity and alcohol consumption. In contrast, vehicle crime fell 60% to 4 incidents, possibly due to reduced car usage during the Easter break or improved parking security measures. Bicycle theft doubled to 1 incident, an anomaly that may reflect specific local factors rather than broader trends. The area’s violent crime rate of 2.6 per 1,000 residents is 8% below the UK average, while anti-social behaviour remains 24% below national levels, indicating effective community policing strategies in addressing these categories.

The crime rate for Lancing and Sompting in May 2024 rose 28.9% compared to the previous month, reflecting a shift in local patterns. This increase follows a period of relative stability.1 per 1,000 residents remains 15.5% below the UK average. Daily crime statistics show 6 incidents reported each day, a figure that contextualises the pace of activity in the area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 141 residents — a monthly exposure rate that underscores the manageable scale of incidents relative to the population. This metric aligns with the area’s character as a built-up district within Adur, where community engagement and local policing efforts may contribute to lower long-term rates despite monthly fluctuations. The contrast between May’s figures and the previous month’s rate of 5.5 per 1,000 highlights the volatility of crime trends in urban settings, particularly during transitional seasons when outdoor activity increases.