Shoreham-by-Sea Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Shoreham-by-Sea’s crime rate in April 2024 stood at 7.0 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 9.1% below the UK average of 7.7. This figure reflects a consistent trend of lower-than-average crime levels, particularly in violent offences and property-related crimes. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 25.8% of all crimes reported, followed by shoplifting (23.4%) and anti-social behaviour (19.8%). The seasonal context of April—marked by Easter and the transition to spring—likely influenced these patterns. With increased outdoor activity and the Easter holiday period, public spaces may have seen heightened foot traffic, potentially contributing to the rise in shoplifting incidents. However, violent crime remained lower than the UK average, a trend consistent with Shoreham-by-Sea’s character as a coastal town with a mix of residential and commercial areas. The area’s proximity to the sea and relatively low population density may deter certain types of crime, such as burglary and vehicle-related offences, which were both below the UK average. While shoplifting rates were significantly higher than the national average, this may be attributed to the town’s retail presence along the high street. The data suggests a stable but nuanced crime picture, with local factors such as seasonal activity and community dynamics playing a role in shaping the monthly profile.

April 2024 saw a 100% increase in robbery, with one incident reported compared to none in March. Anti-social behaviour rose by 57.1%, from 21 to 33 incidents, marking a significant upward trend. Criminal damage and arson also increased by 54.5%, from 11 to 17 cases, indicating potential spikes in property-related disputes or vandalism. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 66.7%, from three to one incident, and vehicle crime dropped by 50%, from six to three, suggesting improvements in vehicle security or reduced opportunities for such crimes. Shoplifting remains a standout concern, with a rate of 1.6 per 1,000 residents—139% above the UK average of 0.7 per 1,000. This discrepancy may be linked to the town’s high street retail activity, which attracts both local and visiting shoppers. Violent crime, however, was 30% below the UK average, with 1.8 per 1,000 residents compared to the national figure of 2.6. This contrast highlights the area’s lower exposure to violent incidents, possibly due to its coastal setting and community-focused environment. For residents, the sharp rise in anti-social behaviour is a key issue to monitor, as it may indicate underlying social tensions or increased gatherings in public spaces during the Easter period.

Shoreham-by-Sea’s crime rate in April 2024 was 7.0 per 1,000, a slight decrease of 1.3% from the previous month’s rate of 7.1. This stability suggests that the area’s overall crime profile has remained relatively consistent over the past two months. On a daily basis, the town experienced approximately six crimes per day, a figure that provides context for the frequency of incidents in a localised setting. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 142 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low likelihood of encountering crime in this community. With a population of 23,713, the area’s crime rate is scaled to reflect its size, offering a clearer picture of how incidents are distributed among residents. The comparison to the UK average further highlights Shoreham-by-Sea’s position as a safer-than-average location, particularly in categories such as burglary (6% below UK rates) and vehicle crime (79% below). However, the significant disparity in shoplifting rates—139% above the UK average—reminds residents and officials that certain crime types require targeted attention. This data illustrates the importance of balancing localised insights with broader national trends to develop effective community safety strategies.