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

December 2023 saw Shoreham-by-Sea maintain a crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 26.4% below the UK average of 7.2. This figure reflects a continuation of the area's generally lower crime profile compared to national benchmarks, though seasonal factors likely influenced specific trends. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 23.8% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (19.8%) and public order issues (10.3%). The month's festive context—characterised by extended evenings, holiday travel, and empty homes—may have contributed to patterns such as increased anti-social behaviour in public spaces and heightened vehicle-related crimes. The area's retail and leisure sectors, which are active year-round, may have driven persistent shoplifting incidents. compared to November. While the overall rate remains well below the UK average, the seasonal context of December—dark evenings, Christmas shopping, and party season—could have amplified certain types of crime, particularly those tied to alcohol consumption and public gatherings. The relatively low burglary rate (1.6% of total crimes) suggests that the area's residential density and community policing efforts may be effective in deterring property crime. However, the sharp rise in vehicle crime, which increased by 350% month-on-month, warrants attention, linked to holiday-related vehicle movements or targeted thefts in car parks. The data underscores the need for continued vigilance during peak seasonal periods, with a focus on areas experiencing concentrated crime activity.

December 2023 revealed stark month-on-month shifts in crime patterns, with vehicle crime surging by 350% (from 2 to 9 incidents) and other theft rising by 140% (from 5 to 12). These increases, while not yet reaching UK averages, highlight specific vulnerabilities in the area. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences remained elevated, with the former 18% above the UK average and the latter 25% above. Conversely, shoplifting dropped sharply by 66.7% (from 39 to 13), possibly due to stricter retail security measures during the Christmas season. The data also shows that violence and sexual offences, at 1.3 per 1,000 residents, were 50% below the UK average—a trend consistent with Shoreham-by-Sea's generally lower levels of violent crime. However, the rise in vehicle crime raises concerns, as it may reflect increased vehicle presence in residential areas during the holiday period or targeted thefts in poorly lit car parks. Residents should be particularly vigilant in areas with high foot traffic or parked vehicles, as these appear to be current hotspots. The sharp contrast between rising vehicle crime and falling shoplifting incidents illustrates the combination of seasonal factors, with some crime types responding to festive activity while others are mitigated by proactive measures.

Shoreham-by-Sea's December 2023 crime rate of 5.3 per 1,000 residents marked a 27.7% decrease from the previous month's rate of 7.3, reflecting a notable decline in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 4 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the monthly total of 126 incidents. Over the course of December, one reported crime occurred for every 188 residents—a monthly exposure rate that remains significantly lower than the UK average. This statistic, while providing a measure of relative safety, should be interpreted alongside the month-on-month fluctuations in specific crime categories. The population-scaled perspective highlights that, despite the sharp increase in vehicle crime, the overall rate remains well below the UK average, suggesting that local factors—such as community engagement and targeted policing—continue to play a role in mitigating crime. The 27.7% reduction from November underscores the variability of crime patterns, with some areas of the town experiencing marked improvements while others, like vehicle-related incidents, saw unexpected surges. Residents should consider these trends in context, recognising that while the area is generally safer than the UK average, specific vulnerabilities may emerge during high-traffic or seasonal periods.