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

Shoreham-by-Sea's crime rate in May 2024 was 6.9 per 1,000 residents, placing it 17.9% below the UK average of 8.4 per 1,000. This coastal town, part of the Adur district, exhibited a crime profile shaped by its tourism-driven economy and seasonal rhythms. The most common crime type was shoplifting, accounting for 25.2% of all incidents—166% above the UK average. This aligns with the area's retail presence and the influx of visitors during the spring season, when longer evenings and bank holidays may increase foot traffic in high streets. Violence and sexual offences followed closely, making up 24.5% of total crimes, though this category was 40% below the UK average, possibly due to the town's relatively low population density and community-focused policing. Anti-social behaviour, at 17.2% of all crimes, was also 17% below the national average, suggesting that local initiatives or the town's character may contribute to a calmer public environment. The seasonal context of May—characterised by warmer weather and extended daylight—may have influenced the crime mix, with outdoor drinking and socialising contributing to public order offences. However, the overall trend of lower crime rates compared to the UK reflects the area's unique demographic and geographic factors, which likely include a mix of residential stability and transient visitor populations.

May 2024 saw sharp increases in bicycle theft (+200%) and possession of weapons (+200%), with three incidents each in the month. This contrasts with a 71.4% drop in burglary, which fell from seven to two cases. The crime mix also shifted notably: while property crimes (75) remained the largest category, violent crimes (40) accounted for a near-equal share, highlighting a balance between property and personal safety concerns. Shoplifting, at 25.2% of total crimes, was 166% above the UK average, likely driven by the town's retail and tourist infrastructure. Meanwhile, vehicle crime fell 79% below the national average, possibly reflecting the area's lower density of car parks and commuter traffic. For residents, the 71.4% drop in burglary offers a tangible benefit, suggesting that local security measures or seasonal patterns may have played a role in this decline.

Shoreham-by-Sea's crime rate in May 2024 fell to 6.9 per 1,000 residents, a 2.4% decrease from April's 7.0 per 1,000. This continued downward trend positions the area as 17.9% safer than the UK average, which stood at 8.4 per 1,000. Daily crime statistics show an average of five reported incidents each day, a figure that contextualises the pace of activity in this coastal town. When scaled to the population of 23,713, this translates to one reported crime occurring for every 145 residents over the course of the month. While the overall rate remains below the UK average, certain crime types show divergent patterns. For instance, shoplifting rates are 166% higher than the national average, reflecting the retail and tourism dynamics typical of seaside communities. This contrast highlights how local factors—such as the presence of high streets and seasonal visitor flows—can shape crime profiles differently from the national picture.