Arun Crime Rate

Arun exhibits a crime rate of 80.1 incidents per 1,000 residents over the period from February 2025 to January 2026. This figure is 12.2% below the UK average of 91.2, suggesting a relatively safer environment compared to the national landscape. The overall trend shows a stable decline of -4.6% year-on-year, indicating a positive shift in crime rates. However, certain crime types, such as Violence and sexual offences, remain a focal point for community safety initiatives. Understanding these nuances is crucial for informed decision-making and proactive crime prevention.

Arun, a local authority district in West Sussex, encompasses a diverse range of environments, from coastal towns like Littlehampton and Bognor Regis to rural villages and farmland. The area's economy is driven by tourism, agriculture, and light industry, attracting a mix of residents including families, retirees, and seasonal workers. The coastal areas tend to experience higher levels of foot traffic and visitor activity, potentially contributing to incidents of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. The varying demographics within Arun, coupled with the seasonal fluctuations in population, can influence the types and frequency of crimes observed. The presence of popular tourist destinations and a significant rural population also presents unique challenges regarding crime prevention and community safety.

Examining the crime landscape in Arun, Violence and sexual offences represent the most prevalent concern, accounting for 27.2 incidents per 1,000 residents. This is slightly below the UK average of 32.2, but still warrants attention. Anti-social behaviour follows closely, impacting 13.9 per 1,000 people, slightly below the national rate of 14.8. Shoplifting, at 8.1 per 1,000, is marginally above the UK average of 7.6. Property crime overall stands at 28.4 incidents per 1,000 residents, reflecting a combination of burglary, criminal damage, and other theft. While burglary (3.1 per 1,000) is slightly below the national average (3.4 per 1,000), the higher rates of violence and anti-social behaviour contribute significantly to the overall crime picture. Understanding these patterns is crucial for targeted preventative measures.

The crime rate in Arun has remained stable, decreasing by -4.6% year-on-year. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with a peak in June 2025 (8.2 incidents per 1,000) and a low in November 2025 (6.3 incidents per 1,000). While this overall stability is positive, the increase in Anti-social behaviour (10.7% YoY) warrants continued monitoring and targeted interventions.

Comparing Arun to its neighbouring local authorities, Chichester (72.7 per 1,000) and Adur (66.0 per 1,000) have lower crime rates, while Worthing (87.7 per 1,000) and Havant (83.9 per 1,000) experience higher rates. Portsmouth, significantly further afield, registers a considerably higher crime rate at 121.3 per 1,000, highlighting the variability in crime levels across the region.

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How To Keep Safe in Arun

Given the prevalence of Violence and sexual offences, being aware of your surroundings, particularly at night, is crucial. Walk in well-lit areas and avoid isolated routes. With shoplifting being a notable concern, keep valuables out of sight when in public spaces. Consider joining or supporting local neighbourhood watch schemes to foster a sense of community and collective responsibility. Finally, be mindful of anti-social behaviour and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.