Southwick (Adur) Crime Rate

Southwick (Adur) boasts a crime rate 28.7% below the UK average, with a safety score of 83/100—4 points above the national benchmark. While overall crime has decreased by 15.9% year-on-year, a stark 550% increase in robbery raises concerns. This built-up area, home to 12,617 residents, balances lower property crime rates with spikes in specific categories, offering a nuanced picture of local safety.

Southwick (Adur) is a built-up area within Adur, characterised by a mix of residential and commercial properties. Its proximity to Shoreham-by-Sea and Lancing influences local dynamics, with commuter traffic and retail activity contributing to crime patterns. Lower property crime rates may reflect effective community engagement and lower population density compared to larger urban centres.

The most surprising finding is that violence and sexual offences in Southwick (Adur) are 28% below the UK average, despite being a built-up area. This may stem from proactive community policing or lower socioeconomic disparities. Anti-social behaviour is 37% below the UK average, likely due to cohesive neighbourhoods. Public order crimes, though rising by 20% YoY, remain 3% below the UK average. Robbery’s 550% YoY increase is concerning but still below the UK average, possibly linked to isolated incidents or seasonal factors. Vehicle crime, typically higher in urban areas, is 31% below the UK average, suggesting effective parking security measures.

Crime in Southwick (Adur) has decreased by 15.9% year-on-year, with most categories declining, including shoplifting (-41.5%) and anti-social behaviour (-33.5%). However, robbery surged by 550%, likely due to isolated incidents or seasonal factors. April 2025 saw the highest monthly rate (7.1 per 1,000), possibly linked to increased events, while September 2025 had the lowest (4.7 per 1,000), aligning with reduced outdoor activity.

How To Keep Safe in Southwick (Adur)

Given the 550% YoY increase in robbery, avoid carrying valuables in public and use Neighbourhood Watch alerts. Secure vehicles with alarms and parking in well-lit areas, as vehicle crime spikes overnight. For property, scOS’s boundary detection and automated lighting can deter burglars, though burglary rates remain 16% below the UK average.

Crime in Southwick (Adur) peaks during evening hours, with vehicle crime concentrated overnight (22:00–06:00), aligning with late-night parking activity. Theft spikes in the afternoon (12:00–18:00), likely tied to retail activity. Other crimes dominate late evening (21:00–00:00), possibly linked to social gatherings. Morning hours (06:00–12:00) see lower activity, with burglary peaking at 21% during night hours, reflecting opportunistic targeting of unoccupied homes.

Compared to Shoreham-by-Sea (67.3 per 1,000) and Lancing and Sompting (66.0 per 1,000), Southwick (Adur) has a 4% and 2% lower crime rate, respectively. Upper Beeding (25.7 per 1,000) is significantly safer, likely due to its rural character and lower population density. These differences reflect variations in economic activity and urbanisation.

For Southwick (Adur), scOS’s proactive boundary detection and DVLA vehicle registration verification are critical. With vehicle crime peaking overnight, scOS’s real-time alerts can deter intruders. Though property crime is lower than average, scOS’s behavioural pattern learning reduces false alarms, ensuring security systems respond only to genuine threats.