Lancing and Sompting Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Lancing and Sompting's crime rate of 4.5 per 1,000 in February 2026 places the area 29.7% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000, reflecting a consistently safer profile compared to national trends. This built-up area within Adur shows a distinct crime profile, with violence and sexual offences (39 incidents) accounting for 30.7% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (24 incidents, 18.9%) and other theft (13 incidents, 10.2%). The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—likely contributes to the lower overall crime rate compared to summer months, when retail and leisure activity typically drives up property and public order offences. The area's relatively low levels of violent crime may be influenced by its suburban character, where community cohesion and lower population density could deter more severe offences. However, the prominence of anti-social behaviour suggests challenges in managing local disturbances, linked to the area's mix of residential and commercial spaces. The low rate of shoplifting (6.3 per 1,000) and burglary (2.4 per 1,000) compared to UK averages may indicate effective policing strategies or a lower concentration of high-value retail areas. These patterns align with the broader trend of Lancing and Sompting maintaining a safer environment than the national average, though the presence of specific issues like anti-social behaviour highlights areas for targeted intervention.

February 2026 saw dramatic fluctuations in specific crime categories, with vehicle crime surging by 900% from 1 to 10 incidents—a jump that could reflect increased traffic during holiday periods or changes in parking patterns. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 46.7% (15 to 8), possibly due to seasonal retail closures or reduced foot traffic in the area. Public order offences also decreased by 35.7% (14 to 9), which may be linked to the winter lull in social gatherings. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, but at 1.4 per 1,000—40% below the UK average—highlighting the area's relative success in curbing severe crime. Other notable trends include a 100% increase in theft from the person, which may signal a shift in criminal focus during colder months, and a 50% drop in 'other crime' categories, indicating improved reporting or resolution rates. These shifts underscore the need for adaptive policing strategies that address emerging patterns, such as the sudden rise in vehicle-related offences, while maintaining efforts to sustain the area's lower-than-average violent crime rates.

Lancing and Sompting's crime rate fell by 21.1% from 5.7 per 1,000 in January 2026 to 4.5 per 1,000 in February, marking a sustained decline in reported incidents. Over the course of February, one crime occurred for roughly every 223 residents—a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than many comparable built-up areas. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 5 crimes per day, a figure that, while consistent with its suburban character, remains below the UK average when scaled to population size. The population context of 28,302 residents further illustrates the manageable scale of crime in this area, where the density of incidents is lower than in larger urban centres. This decline aligns with the seasonal context of February, a time when outdoor activity is minimal and retail operations are subdued, potentially reducing opportunities for property crimes. However, the persistent presence of anti-social behaviour and the recent spike in vehicle-related offences suggest that local challenges remain, requiring targeted interventions to address specific vulnerabilities. These figures provide residents with a clear benchmark for understanding their safety profile, though the area's continued performance below the UK average indicates a broader success in maintaining a secure environment.