Shoreham-by-Sea Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

April 2023 marked a continuation of Shoreham-by-Sea's trend toward lower crime rates, with an overall rate of 6.4 per 1,000 residents—14.7% below the UK average. This coastal town, known for its maritime heritage and tourism, experienced a mix of crime patterns influenced by seasonal factors. Violence and sexual offences dominated, accounting for 39.5% of all incidents, a figure slightly below the UK average for this category. Shoplifting, however, remained a persistent concern, with 22 incidents reported—88% above the UK average. This disparity may reflect the town's retail presence along its main thoroughfares, where seasonal foot traffic and Easter-related shopping activity could contribute to fluctuations. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour and public order offences both fell below the UK average, likely due to the area's relatively small population and community-focused policing efforts. The spring weather, with longer evenings and increased outdoor activity, may have influenced the balance between violent and property crimes, though no single factor explains the overall decline. The town's low crime rate compared to the UK average suggests that its coastal character, combined with targeted local initiatives, plays a role in maintaining safety. However, the sharp rise in possession of weapons—though still a small number—raises questions about localised trends that warrant further attention.

April 2023 saw a sharp 70.3% drop in shoplifting, from 74 incidents in March to 22 in April, a decline likely linked to Easter-related retail activity shifts and increased policing in high streets. Conversely, possession of weapons surged by 100%, with two incidents reported—though this remains a small figure in absolute terms. The balance of crime types also shifted: violent crimes accounted for 39.5% of the total, slightly above the UK average for this category (40%), while property crimes fell to 38.8% (UK average: 43%). This suggests a slight increase in violent incidents relative to property crimes, possibly influenced by seasonal factors such as extended evenings and increased social gatherings. Shoplifting rates in Shoreham-by-Sea were 88% above the UK average, highlighting a localised challenge despite the overall downward trend in crime.

Shoreham-by-Sea's crime rate in April 2023 fell by 17.8% compared to March, reflecting a continued decline in reported incidents. The monthly rate of 6.4 per 1,000 residents is 14.7% below the UK average, a consistent trend for the area. On a daily basis, the town recorded approximately 5 crimes per day in April, a figure that contextualises the pace of activity within the built-up area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 156 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to larger urban centres. This statistic, when considered alongside the population of 23,713, suggests that residents are less likely to encounter crime than the UK average, though localised spikes in specific categories—such as shoplifting—remain notable. The shift from March to April also aligns with seasonal patterns, as the Easter period and spring weather may have influenced outdoor activity and associated crime dynamics.