Shoreham-by-Sea Crime Rate

Shoreham-by-Sea is a notably safe coastal town with an overall crime rate of 74.2 per 1,000 people. This figure is significantly lower than the UK national average of 93.1, earning the town an excellent safety score of 85/100. The crime trend is currently stable, with a 4.7% decrease in total offences over the last year, indicating that Shoreham remains a secure and desirable place to live. While the town experiences some typical urban challenges, such as anti-social behaviour and shoplifting in its commercial and coastal areas, the overall statistical picture is one of high safety and stability. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of local crime statistics and timing to help you better understand the safety landscape of Shoreham-by-Sea.

Crime Breakdown in Shoreham-by-Sea

Shoreham-by-Sea's crime profile is led by violence and sexual offences, which account for 28.4% of total reports (499 crimes). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 19.7% and shoplifting at 17.9%. These three categories represent the majority of police activity in the area, with anti-social behaviour being a particularly visible concern for residents in public spaces and coastal areas.

Property-related crime is a significant factor in the local statistics, with a property crime rate of 29.4 per 1,000 people. This total includes 315 shoplifting incidents, 137 cases of criminal damage and arson, and 98 'other theft' reports. Burglary accounts for 2.7% of total crime with 48 incidents, while vehicle crime makes up 3.8%. For homeowners and local businesses, this means that while violent crime is the single largest category, the combined risk of theft, damage, and vehicle-related offences is substantial. Ensuring that properties are well-secured and vehicles are parked in safe locations is vital to mitigating these frequent property-based threats.

Crime Trends in Shoreham-by-Sea

The crime trend in Shoreham-by-Sea is currently stable, with a year-over-year decrease of 4.7%. This downward trajectory is a positive indicator of the town's safety and the effectiveness of local community initiatives. Monthly data reveals some fluctuations; for instance, the crime rate per 1,000 residents reached a peak of 8.1 in July 2025, significantly higher than the 5.1 recorded in December 2024.

These seasonal variations are common in coastal towns, where the summer months often bring an influx of visitors, leading to a temporary rise in opportunistic crime and anti-social behaviour. However, the overall trend remains steady, suggesting that Shoreham is not experiencing any long-term surge in criminal activity. For residents, this stability provides reassurance that the town remains a safe environment, though the summer peaks serve as a reminder to remain vigilant during busier periods.

How To Keep Safe in Shoreham-by-Sea

The most frequent crime in Shoreham-by-Sea is violence and sexual offences, making up over 28% of all reports. To enhance your personal safety, it is recommended to stay aware of your surroundings, especially when walking near the harbour or in the town centre at night. Stick to well-lit, populated routes and avoid shortcuts through unlit alleys or secluded beach areas.

Given the prevalence of anti-social behaviour (19.7%), it is also wise to be mindful of your environment in public spaces. If you encounter groups causing a disturbance, it is best to move to a busier area. For homeowners, the afternoon peak in theft (44%) suggests that ensuring your property looks occupied during the day is a good deterrent. Use timer switches for lights and ensure all deliveries are made to a secure location. By combining personal vigilance with these simple property security measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of being affected by the most common crimes in Shoreham-by-Sea.

Crime Timing in Shoreham-by-Sea

Crime in Shoreham-by-Sea follows a clear temporal pattern, with different offences peaking at different times of the day. The afternoon (12pm - 6pm) is the busiest period for theft, accounting for 44% of such incidents, largely driven by shoplifting in the town's commercial centre. Morning hours also see significant theft activity at 40%. This indicates that property-related crimes are most frequent during standard business hours when retail activity and footfall are at their highest.

As the evening and night-time approach, the nature of crime shifts toward residential and public space concerns. Night-time (12am - 6am) sees a major peak in vehicle crime, which accounts for 37% of offences during this period. Burglary also peaks in the afternoon (16%) and at night (16%). This suggests that criminals target homes either when residents are away at work or when they are likely to be asleep. Understanding these trends is crucial for residents, highlighting the importance of securing vehicles overnight and ensuring home security is active 24/7 to counter these specific temporal risks.

When comparing Shoreham-by-Sea to its neighbours, it occupies a middle ground in terms of activity but remains very safe. Its crime rate of 74.2 is slightly lower than Lancing and Sompting (76.1) and marginally higher than Southwick (71.5). It is significantly safer than the nearby major hub of Worthing, which has a rate of 91.7. In contrast, the small village of Upper Beeding is much quieter at 26.9. Shoreham-by-Sea's safety score of 85/100 is higher than the UK average of 78, confirming its status as one of the most secure urban settlements in the West Sussex coastal region.

Protecting Your Property in Shoreham-by-Sea

With a property crime rate of 29.4 per 1,000 people, residents of Shoreham-by-Sea should focus on preventing opportunistic theft and damage. Traditional security systems, such as basic CCTV, are reactive by nature; they provide a record of a crime after it has occurred. In many cases, this does little to stop an intruder who can be in and out of a property in minutes.

A proactive AI-powered system like scOS offers a more effective solution. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor property boundaries, scOS can detect potential threats before they escalate. It can identify suspicious patterns, such as someone casing a vehicle or loitering near an entrance, and trigger autonomous responses like high-intensity lighting or audio warnings. This immediate deterrence is far more effective at preventing burglary and vehicle crime, which often peak when properties are unattended. For those in Shoreham-by-Sea, moving beyond simple recording to a system that actively prevents crime provides the highest level of security for both homes and local businesses.