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

Shoreham-by-Sea’s crime rate in May 2025 stood at 6.9 per 1,000 residents, placing it 14.8% below the UK average of 8.1. This performance highlights the area’s position as a relatively safe coastal town. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (23.3% of total incidents), anti-social behaviour (22.7%), and shoplifting (18.4%). These figures align with patterns typical of a coastal resort, where public spaces and high streets attract both residents and visitors. The dominance of violence and sexual offences may reflect the town’s social dynamics, including the presence of younger demographics and the impact of seasonal tourism. However, the rate of such crimes is lower than the UK average, suggesting effective local policing or community engagement. Anti-social behaviour, while still a concern, remains below the UK average for this category, indicating a balance between population density and community management. Shoplifting’s sharp rise—though not uncommon in retail hubs—raises questions about targeted activity or changes in consumer behaviour during May, a month marked by bank holidays and extended evenings. These factors likely contribute to increased opportunities for theft, particularly in areas with high foot traffic. Overall, the data illustrates a nuanced picture: Shoreham-by-Sea’s crime profile is shaped by its coastal identity, seasonal rhythms, and local initiatives, even as it navigates specific challenges that require ongoing attention.

May 2025 saw a dramatic 200% increase in shoplifting, with incidents rising from 10 to 30. This surge, combined with a 300% jump in burglary and a 133% rise in vehicle crime, signals a significant shift in crime dynamics. These increases may be linked to seasonal factors such as longer evenings and increased outdoor activity, which could contribute to higher opportunities for theft. Conversely, drug-related offences dropped by two-thirds compared to April, and other crime fell by 60%, indicating some areas of improvement. Violent crime, however, remains a focus: violence and sexual offences accounted for 23.3% of all incidents, a rate 43% below the UK average. This disparity suggests local factors—such as community initiatives or policing strategies—may be influencing outcomes. Residents should be particularly vigilant in areas with high retail presence, where shoplifting spikes may reflect targeted activity.

Shoreham-by-Sea’s crime rate in May 2025 rose 38% compared to April, moving from 5.0 to 6.9 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though notable, still places the area 14.8% below the UK average of 8.1. Daily crime activity averaged five incidents per day, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 145 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate is a useful benchmark for residents assessing local safety. The population context reveals that, despite the rise, Shoreham remains a relatively low-crime area compared to national standards. The shift in crime patterns—particularly the surge in shoplifting and burglary—suggests evolving challenges that may relate to seasonal factors such as increased foot traffic or extended evening hours. These changes warrant attention but do not negate the area’s overall safety profile relative to the UK.