Arun Crime Rate

Arun is a safe and diverse district in West Sussex, currently holding a safety score of 80/100. The area's overall crime rate is 86.6 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the UK national average of 91.7. Over the past year, the district has seen a 5.3% increase in reported crime, indicating a slight upward trend. As a region that includes major coastal towns and quiet rural villages, Arun's safety landscape varies significantly by location. While personal offences and anti-social behaviour are the most frequently reported, property-related crime is also a key factor for local residents and businesses. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of statistics to help you understand the current safety profile of the Arun district.

Arun is a local authority district in West Sussex, stretching from the South Downs to the English Channel. Its crime profile is significantly influenced by its popular coastal resorts, including Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, which attract large numbers of tourists during the summer months. This seasonal influx of visitors often leads to a rise in anti-social behaviour and shoplifting in town centres. The district features a mix of busy urban hubs and quieter, more affluent rural villages, creating a varied safety landscape. Economic factors, particularly in the larger seaside towns, and a diverse demographic profile also play a role in the local crime statistics. The presence of a vibrant nightlife and major retail sectors in the primary urban areas contributes to the overall volume of reported incidents compared to the more tranquil rural hinterland.

In Arun, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, representing 33.7% of all reports. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent at 16.9%, followed by shoplifting at 10.5%. Overall property crime, which includes burglary, theft, vehicle crime, and shoplifting, occurs at a rate of 31.4 per 1,000 residents. This is very close to the UK national average of 32.3. Within this category, criminal damage and arson (8.2%) and 'other theft' (6.2%) are more common than residential burglary (3.9%). This suggests that while burglary rates are relatively low, residents and business owners should be mindful of opportunistic theft and vandalism. Vehicle crime also accounts for 4.9% of reports, highlighting the need for good car security across the district.

Arun has seen a 5.3% increase in crime over the past year. Monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates fluctuated between 6.1 and 8.2 per 1,000 residents. The highest activity was recorded during the summer months, with peaks in June (8.2), July (8.1), and August (8.2), likely reflecting the seasonal influx of tourists to the district's coastal resorts. The year ended with a decrease to 6.3 in November. This pattern suggests that while the overall trend is slightly upward, crime in Arun is heavily influenced by seasonal factors. Despite the increase, the district remains safer than the national average.

Arun (86.6) is a diverse district that serves as a major activity hub in West Sussex. In this data period, it reported a higher crime rate than immediate neighbours like Chichester, Worthing, Adur, Havant, Horsham, and Portsmouth, all of which showed a 0.0 crime rate. This difference is largely due to Arun's major urban centres and coastal resorts which naturally attract more activity. Despite this, Arun remains safer than the national average and offers a variety of living environments from busy seaside towns to tranquil rural communities.

Arun has a property crime rate of 31.4 per 1,000 residents, which is very close to the UK average. In a district with busy coastal towns and more isolated rural properties, the risk of opportunistic theft and burglary is a reality. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV, are reactive; they record a crime as it happens but often fail to prevent it. For residents in Arun, scOS offers a more advanced, proactive alternative. The AI-powered system monitors property boundaries in real-time to identify potential threats. It can verify vehicles and recognize daily routines, ensuring that alerts are only sent for real threats. If an intruder is detected, scOS can autonomously activate deterrents like lights and speakers to stop a burglary or vehicle theft before it begins. This preventative approach is the most effective way to protect your home and maintain the safety standards of the district.

How To Keep Safe in Arun

The most common crimes in Arun are violence and sexual offences and anti-social behaviour, which are often concentrated in the busier town centres and coastal areas. To stay safe, it is recommended to remain aware of your surroundings, especially when out late at night or in crowded areas. Stick to well-lit paths and travel with friends where possible. Be mindful of your belongings in busy retail and tourist spots.

Property crime is also a significant factor, with shoplifting, criminal damage, and vehicle crime being prominent. Always ensure your vehicle is locked and that no valuables are left on display, especially when parked in public coastal car parks. For homeowners, ensuring that windows and doors are securely locked and installing a proactive security system can help protect against opportunistic theft. Participation in local Neighbourhood Watch or Rural Watch schemes is also encouraged to stay informed about any suspicious activity in your specific area. Being vigilant and reporting any anti-social behaviour to the local authorities helps maintain a safer community for everyone.