Southwick (Adur) Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Southwick (Adur)'s January 2024 crime rate of 4.8 per 1,000 residents marked a 35.1% deficit compared to the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000. This significant divergence from national trends highlights the area's unique crime profile, shaped by its built-up character within Adur. Violence and sexual offences dominated with 24 incidents (40% of total), followed by anti-social behaviour (14 incidents) and shoplifting (7 incidents). The seasonal context of January—post-holiday period with reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours—likely contributes to the lower prevalence of outdoor crimes typical of other months. However, the 41.2% increase in violent crime compared to December 2023 suggests potential shifts in local dynamics, possibly linked to post-holiday social patterns or increased indoor activity. Property crime categories showed marked decreases, with burglary dropping by 75% to a single incident, a figure 72% below the UK average of 0.4 per 1,000. These patterns align with Southwick's character as a relatively low-density built-up area, where community cohesion and limited commercial activity may reduce opportunities for certain crimes. The UK average for anti-social behaviour (1.0 per 1,000) was exceeded locally by 11%, indicating areas for targeted intervention. While the overall rate remains well below national benchmarks, the rise in violent crime warrants careful monitoring against seasonal and demographic factors that could influence future trends.

Violence and sexual offences saw a 41.2% increase from December 2023, rising from 17 to 24 incidents. This spike, while still below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000 (27% lower), raises questions about seasonal factors influencing interpersonal crime. Anti-social behaviour remained the second most common category at 14 incidents, 11% above the UK average of 1.0 per 1,000. Shoplifting increased by 40% to 7 incidents, aligning with a 5% UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. Conversely, burglary plummeted by 75% to a single incident, reflecting a 72% deficit compared to the UK average of 0.4 per 1,000. Vehicle crime also dropped by 50%, remaining 60% below national figures. These shifts suggest a combination of local initiatives and seasonal dynamics, with property crime categories showing marked reductions despite rising violent crime rates.

Southwick's crime rate in January 2024 remained stable at 4.8 per 1,000 residents, matching the previous month's figure. This consistency suggests no significant short-term fluctuations in local crime patterns. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately two crimes reported each day, a figure that contextualises the low overall rate within the built-up area's population of 12,617. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 210 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to larger urban centres. When viewed through a population-scaled lens, the 35.1% reduction in crime compared to the UK average becomes even more striking, highlighting Southwick's position as a safer area within the national context. This contrast is particularly evident in categories like burglary and vehicle crime, where local rates are significantly lower than national benchmarks.