Lancing and Sompting Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Lancing and Sompting’s crime rate in January 2026 stood at 5.7 per 1,000 residents, marking a 16.2% reduction compared to the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. This performance, while below national levels, reflects the area’s unique characteristics as a built-up district within Adur. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 36.7% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (16.8%) and shoplifting (9.3%). These figures align with the seasonal context of January, a post-holiday period marked by reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours, which may suppress outdoor crimes typical of other times of the year. The dominance of violent crime, however, suggests ongoing challenges in managing public safety in community spaces, particularly given the area’s proximity to local amenities that could contribute to late-night activity. Shoplifting rates remained 12% below the UK average, influenced by the area’s retail mix and enforcement strategies. share of total crimes indicates a need for continued vigilance in high-traffic retail zones. The overall crime picture illustrates a balance between local factors—such as population density and community engagement—and national trends, with the built-up area’s performance highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement in crime prevention.

January 2026 saw a marked shift in crime patterns, with robbery incidents increasing by 200% (from 1 to 3) and possession of weapons rising by 100% (from 1 to 2). These spikes, though small in absolute numbers, indicate a potential shift in criminal activity. Bicycle theft also doubled from zero to two incidents, a development that may reflect seasonal factors or local events. Conversely, vehicle crime dropped by 80% (from 5 to 1), likely linked to reduced outdoor activity during shorter winter days. The area’s violent crime category remained 16% below the UK average, a consistent trend that may reflect the built-up area’s proximity to community resources or lower levels of alcohol-fuelled incidents compared to more densely populated urban centres. Anti-social behaviour, however, rose 8% above the UK average, suggesting a need for targeted interventions in public spaces.

Lancing and Sompting's crime rate in January 2026 rose by 28.7% compared to the previous month, moving from 4.4 to 5.7 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though notable, still places the area 16.2% below the UK average of 6.8 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 5 crimes per day in January, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents for local residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 176 residents, a monthly exposure rate that highlights the relative infrequency of crime in this built-up area. While the population of 28,302 means individual risk remains low, the month-on-month rise suggests a need to monitor trends closely. The increase is tempered by the area’s continued performance below the UK average, reflecting broader local factors such as community policing initiatives or demographic characteristics that may contribute to lower overall rates despite the recent uptick.