Southwick (Adur) Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Southwick (Adur) reported a crime rate of 5.6 per 1,000 residents in October 2024, placing it 30.9% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This figure reflects a continuation of the area’s relatively low crime profile compared to national trends. The most common crimes were anti-social behaviour (18.6% of total) and shoplifting (18.6%), both of which fall below or align with UK averages. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 17.1% of reported crimes, significantly lower than the UK average of 2.7 per 1,000. Seasonal factors may have influenced these figures: October, with its darker evenings and Halloween, often sees shifts in crime patterns. However, the area’s built-up nature within Adur—likely characterised by a mix of residential and retail zones—may contribute to anti-social behaviour and shoplifting trends. The lower rates of violent crime suggest a community environment where such offences are less prevalent, due to local policing efforts or demographic factors. Property crimes (50% of total) remain a focus, with shoplifting and criminal damage and arson being the most frequent property-related offences. These trends align with typical urban dynamics, where retail areas and public spaces are more prone to such incidents. The relatively low overall crime rate, combined with specific local trends, illustrates an area that is generally safe but requires targeted attention to certain categories of crime.

The most dramatic month-on-month change in October 2024 was the doubling of possession of weapons offences, rising from 1 to 2—a 100% increase. This surge, though small in absolute terms, highlights a potential shift in local dynamics, possibly linked to increased alcohol consumption during darker evenings or seasonal events. Bicycle theft also doubled from 0 to 2, a 100% increase, which may reflect heightened activity around local cycle routes or the start of colder weather prompting more frequent bike usage. These spikes contrast sharply with the 65.7% decline in violence and sexual offences, which fell from 35 to 12, suggesting a marked reduction in incidents that could be attributed to improved community engagement, policing initiatives, or seasonal factors such as fewer public gatherings. Anti-social behaviour also dropped by 43.5% (from 23 to 13), linked to the end of school term holidays or increased community awareness. While shoplifting and criminal damage and arson remain elevated compared to UK averages, the overall reduction in violent crime indicates progress in addressing more severe offences. Residents may find the 30.9% gap between Southwick’s rate and the UK average reassuring, though the 100% increases in specific categories warrant local monitoring to prevent further spikes.

Southwick’s crime rate in October 2024 (5.6 per 1,000 residents) marked a 26.3% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 7.5 per 1,000, reflecting a continuing downward trend. On a daily basis, this equates to roughly 2 crimes reported per day in the built-up area, a figure that, while low, underscores the need for vigilance in specific categories. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 180 residents—a monthly exposure rate that is lower than many comparable urban areas. This statistic provides a tangible context for residents, illustrating that the likelihood of encountering crime is relatively low in daily life. The population-scaled perspective further highlights the area’s safety: with 12,617 residents, the 70 reported crimes represent a manageable burden for local services. However, the 100% increases in possession of weapons and bicycle theft, though small in absolute numbers, signal potential vulnerabilities that could be exacerbated by seasonal or environmental factors. These figures, when viewed alongside the 30.9% gap from the UK average, reinforce Southwick’s position as a relatively safe area, though targeted efforts may be needed to address emerging trends in specific crime categories.