Southwick (Adur) Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

February 2024 marked a continuation of Southwick (Adur)’s historically low crime rates, with an overall rate of 4.1 per 1,000 residents—42.3% below the UK average of 7.1. This figure, the lowest in the area’s built-up district, reflects a combination of seasonal factors and local characteristics. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 36.5% of all incidents, yet they remain 40% below the UK average. The winter season, with its reduced outdoor activity and shorter daylight hours, may have contributed to the lower crime rate, though this is not the sole explanation. Southwick’s relatively small population and proximity to natural areas could also play a role in limiting opportunities for certain crimes. Property crimes, including vehicle theft and burglary, were sparse, with vehicle crime at 0.3 per 1,000—32% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour, while still present, fell by 50% compared to the previous month, suggesting a possible response to local interventions or community efforts. The data also highlights a stark contrast between Southwick and the national picture, with public order offences and drug-related incidents being significantly lower. These trends, while encouraging, must be contextualised within the area’s unique demographics and geography. As a built-up district within Adur, Southwick benefits from a mix of residential and commercial spaces that may foster a more cohesive community environment. However, the surge in public order offences—a 200% increase from January—signals a need for continued vigilance. The overall pattern indicates that Southwick’s crime profile is shaped by both seasonal rhythms and the area’s character, with the winter months likely contributing to the observed lull in activity. This provides a foundation for further analysis as the year progresses.

February 2024 saw a marked decline in shoplifting, with incidents dropping from 7 to 1—a reduction of 85.7%—suggesting a possible response to local initiatives or seasonal factors. Anti-social behaviour also fell by 50%, from 14 to 7, reinforcing a trend that could indicate improved community engagement or increased police presence. Violence and sexual offences, the most common crime type (36.5% of total), decreased by 20.8%, though they remain 40% below the UK average of 2.5 per 1,000. Public order offences surged by 200%, rising from 1 to 3, highlighting a potential shift in local dynamics. Other crime and drug-related incidents both doubled compared to January, indicating areas requiring closer attention. These fluctuations underscore the need for targeted strategies to address emerging issues while sustaining the downward trends in more severe crimes. Residents may find the shoplifting reduction particularly reassuring, as it directly impacts local businesses and public safety.

Southwick (Adur) recorded a crime rate of 4.1 per 1,000 residents in February 2024, a 13.4% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 4.8. This reduction aligns with the seasonal context of February, a winter month marked by reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately 2 crimes reported each day over the 29-day period, reflecting a relatively low level of criminal activity compared to other parts of the UK. When scaled to the population of 12,617, this translates to one reported crime for every 243 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure provides a tangible sense of the likelihood of encountering crime for residents, though it remains significantly below the UK average. The contrast between February and January underscores the influence of seasonal patterns on crime dynamics, with colder weather and shorter days potentially limiting opportunities for certain types of offences. However, the persistent gap between Southwick’s crime rate and the UK average suggests broader structural factors at play, such as the area’s character as a built-up district within Adur, which may benefit from lower population density or more effective local policing.