Lancing and Sompting Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For an area of 28,302 residents, 208 crimes in November 2024 equate to 7.4 crimes per 1,000 people, placing Lancing and Sompting 2.6% below the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000. This rate translates to one reported crime for every 136 residents over the month, a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents in a localised setting. The crime profile is heavily shaped by retail and public spaces, with shoplifting accounting for 34.6% of all recorded crimes—72 cases in total. This category alone is 262% above the UK average of 0.7 per 1,000, a stark contrast to the area’s lower rates for violent crime and burglary. Seasonal factors may contribute to these patterns: November’s Black Friday shopping period likely drives shoplifting, while darker evenings could increase public order incidents. Violence and sexual offences, though lower than the UK average (42% below), remain the second-largest category at 19.7%, reflecting the persistent role of interpersonal conflict in urban centres. The data suggests a dynamic interplay between local demographics, commercial activity, and seasonal rhythms, with no single factor dominating the crime picture.

November 2024 saw sharp increases in burglary (+100.0%), other theft (+100.0%), and possession of weapons (+100.0%) compared to October, though these remain low in absolute terms. Conversely, violence and sexual offences dropped by 43.8% (from 73 to 41), a decline that may reflect the impact of seasonal changes or targeted interventions. The area’s shoplifting rate remains strikingly elevated, with 72 cases—262% above the UK average—highlighting the influence of high-street retail and online shopping trends during November. Public order offences also rose to 24 cases, 76% above the UK average, possibly linked to Bonfire Night events or increased foot traffic in local centres. Violent crime is 42% below the UK average, a divergence that may be explained by the area’s relatively stable community structures and lower population density compared to larger urban areas. These shifts underscore the need for context-specific analysis, as national averages often mask regional variations.

The crime rate in Lancing and Sompting rose 4.6% from October’s 7.0 per 1,000 to November’s 7.4 per 1,000, reflecting a modest but measurable uptick. This increase is most visible in property crimes, which now account for 56% of total incidents (116 cases), compared to 45% in October. On a daily basis, the area experiences an average of 7 crimes per day, a figure that may feel more tangible to residents. Over the course of the month, one crime occurs for every 136 residents—a ratio that, while not alarmingly high, is a reminder of the persistent presence of crime in daily life. This monthly exposure rate is consistent with the area’s character as a mixed-use built-up zone, where commercial activity and community interactions create both opportunities and challenges for policing. The relatively low rates for violent crime and burglary compared to the UK average suggest that Lancing and Sompting’s social fabric and spatial organisation may contribute to a safer environment, though targeted efforts to address shoplifting and public order issues remain critical.