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

For a town of 23,713 residents, 112 reported crimes in February 2024 translate to 4.7 incidents per 1,000 people — 33.8% below the UK average of 7.1. This rate places Shoreham-by-Sea among the safer built-up areas in England. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 33.9% of all crimes, with 38 incidents reported, while shoplifting (29 cases) emerged as the second most frequent category. These figures contrast with the UK average for violence (2.5 per 1,000), where Shoreham’s rate of 1.6 per 1,000 sits 36% below. The seasonal context of February — a winter month with reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull — may contribute to the lower overall rate, though the prominence of violent crime suggests other factors at play. Anti-social behaviour (17 cases) and criminal damage (11 cases) also featured prominently, with the latter’s rate (0.5 per 1,000) aligning closely with the UK average. The town’s coastal location and compact built-up area likely influence crime patterns, with retail hubs and residential density potentially shaping both violent and property crime trends. While shoplifting rates exceeded the UK average by 122%, this may reflect specific local pressures such as the presence of high-traffic retail areas or transient populations. The data underscores the need to balance generalised safety metrics with nuanced local insights when interpreting crime statistics.

February 2024 saw sharp fluctuations in specific crime categories. Other crime and drugs both doubled from zero to two incidents, while possession of weapons rose from zero to one — a 100% increase in each case. Conversely, other theft fell by 60% (10 to 4), public order offences dropped by 50% (10 to 5), and anti-social behaviour decreased by 43.3% (30 to 17). These shifts highlight volatility in less common categories, with the rise in drug-related incidents and weapons possession warranting closer attention. Shoplifting remained a persistent concern, with 29 cases reported — 122% above the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000. This discrepancy may be linked to Shoreham’s retail landscape, including its historic town centre and proximity to major transport routes. Meanwhile, the decline in anti-social behaviour and public order offences could reflect seasonal factors, such as reduced foot traffic during winter or the impact of local initiatives targeting nuisance crimes. Residents should note that while violent crime remains the largest category, its rate (1.6 per 1,000) is 36% below the UK average, suggesting that local policing strategies or community dynamics may be mitigating risk in this area.

February 2024 marked a 22.7% decrease in Shoreham-by-Sea’s crime rate compared to January’s 6.1 per 1,000, reflecting a continued downward trend. On a daily basis, the town experienced approximately 4 crimes per day — a figure that contextualises the overall rate as relatively low for a built-up area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 212 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the town’s generally safe environment. When compared to the UK population, this rate is significantly lower, with the national average seeing one crime for every 141 residents. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Shoreham-by-Sea’s residents face a substantially lower risk of experiencing crime than the average UK citizen. This is particularly evident in categories like violent crime and anti-social behaviour, where local rates are 36% and 33% below national averages, respectively. However, the elevated shoplifting rate (122% above UK levels) suggests that certain local factors — such as retail density or transient visitor patterns — may be driving this anomaly. These figures provide a balanced view of safety, showing both the effectiveness of local crime prevention efforts and the need for targeted interventions in specific areas of concern.