Shoreham-by-Sea Crime Rate February 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 23,713 residents, Shoreham-by-Sea recorded 144 crimes in February 2025, resulting in a crime rate of 6.1 per 1,000 people—9% below the UK average of 6.7. This figure, while modest, provides a clear snapshot of the area's crime profile during a winter month when outdoor activity is limited and community rhythms shift. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 23.6% of all incidents, followed by shoplifting (22.9%) and anti-social behaviour (17.4%). These patterns align with the area's character as a coastal town with a mix of residential and commercial zones. The lower-than-average rate of violent crime may be partly explained by the town's relatively quiet nature compared to larger urban centres, though the sharp rise in shoplifting—126% above the UK average—suggests vulnerabilities in retail security. Anti-social behaviour, while 13% above the national average, remains a manageable concern for local authorities. Seasonal context plays a role in these figures: February's low outdoor activity may have reduced opportunities for property crimes, while the pre-spring lull could have influenced patterns of public order offences. The crime mix also highlights the impact of local geography, with shoplifting likely concentrated near high-traffic areas such as the seafront and main retail corridors. These findings underscore the importance of targeted policing strategies and community engagement to address specific challenges while maintaining the area's overall safety record.

February 2025 saw a 125% increase in criminal damage and arson, rising from 8 to 18 incidents. This sharp rise, while not uncommon in coastal towns during the winter, may be influenced by seasonal factors such as reduced outdoor activity and the potential for vandalism in underutilised public spaces. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 50%, from 2 to 1, a decline that could be linked to colder weather deterring outdoor crime or increased awareness among cyclists. The crime mix also shifted significantly, with shoplifting accounting for 22.9% of all incidents—126% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This anomaly suggests that retail areas in Shoreham-by-Sea, particularly those near the seafront, may be experiencing heightened pressure from theft, due to the town's tourist appeal during off-peak seasons. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences, at 23.6% of total crimes, remained 40% below the UK average of 2.4 per 1,000. This divergence from the national trend may reflect the area's character as a relatively stable coastal community with limited nightlife compared to larger urban centres.

In February 2025, Shoreham-by-Sea recorded 144 crimes, translating to a daily average of 5 crimes per day across its 23,713 residents. This figure equates to roughly one reported crime for every 165 residents over the course of the month, a measure that contextualises the frequency of incidents within the local population. Compared to the previous month, the overall crime rate fell by 5.3%, from 6.4 to 6.1 per 1,000 residents, indicating a slight but notable reduction in reported incidents. This decline, while modest, may reflect seasonal patterns typical of a coastal town during the winter months, when outdoor activity is limited and community engagement with local services may shift. The population-scaled perspective reveals that the rate of crime remains below the UK average, with 9% fewer incidents per 1,000 residents than the national figure of 6.7. This suggests that Shoreham-by-Sea, despite its proximity to a major urban centre, maintains a relatively safer environment for its residents compared to the broader UK context. The daily crime count, while low, underscores the need for continued vigilance and community-based policing initiatives to address specific vulnerabilities, such as the sharp increase in criminal damage and arson reported this month.