Arun Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Arun

Arun's crime rate stands at 87.3 per 1,000 people per year, placing it below the national average of 93.4 per 1,000. This indicates that Arun is generally a safer area compared to many parts of the UK. The area boasts a safety score of 80 out of 100, which is higher than the UK average safety score of 78. However, the latest figures show an increasing trend in crime, with a 7.4% rise year-over-year. This overview provides a foundational understanding of the crime landscape in Arun, setting the stage for a more detailed analysis of specific crime types and trends.

About Arun

Arun is a local authority district in West Sussex, characterised by a mix of coastal towns, rural villages, and agricultural land. Its diverse geography includes popular seaside resorts like Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, which attract tourists, particularly during peak seasons. This influx of visitors can contribute to certain types of crime, such as theft and anti-social behaviour, especially in commercial and entertainment hubs. The district also encompasses numerous residential areas, ranging from bustling urban centres to quieter, more affluent villages. Transport links, including major roads and railway lines, facilitate movement within and through the district, which can sometimes be exploited for opportunistic crime. The population of over 170,000 residents contributes to a varied demographic, influencing local activities and, by extension, crime patterns. Economic factors, such as employment opportunities and local deprivation levels, can also play a role in shaping the crime statistics observed across the district.

Crime Type Analysis in Arun

A detailed look at crime in Arun reveals that Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent, accounting for 4,946 crimes, or 29.1 per 1,000 residents. This constitutes 33.3% of all reported incidents. Following this, Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue, with 2,447 recorded crimes (14.4 per 1,000), making up 16.5% of the total. Shoplifting rounds out the top three, with 1,633 incidents, representing 9.6 per 1,000 residents and 11.0% of the overall crime.

When considering property-related crime, which includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, Arun recorded a total of 3,862 incidents. This translates to a property crime rate of 32.3 per 1,000 people per year. While this is slightly below the UK average property crime rate of 33.2 per 1,000, it still represents a significant portion of the total crime in the area. For residents and homeowners, understanding these figures means being aware of the potential for theft and criminal damage, particularly in areas with higher footfall or commercial activity. Proactive measures to secure homes and vehicles are advisable to mitigate these risks.

Crime Trends in Arun

Arun has experienced an increasing trend in its overall crime rate, with a 7.4% rise year-over-year. This change indicates a noticeable shift in the local crime landscape. Examining the monthly trend data reveals fluctuations throughout the year. The crime rate per 1,000 residents hovered around 6.1-7.0 in late 2024 and early 2025, with December 2024 showing a dip to 6.1. However, there was a general upward trajectory through spring and summer 2025, peaking at 8.2 in June and August, before slightly decreasing to 6.8 in September 2025. This pattern suggests that crime rates in Arun tend to be higher during the warmer months. For residents, this trend means a potential increase in overall criminal activity, and it would be prudent to remain vigilant and consider enhanced security measures, particularly during periods when crime rates typically rise.

Comparing Arun with Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, it's useful to compare Arun's crime statistics with several similar nearby areas. Chichester, Worthing, Adur, Havant, Horsham, and Portsmouth all offer differing crime landscapes. Arun's overall crime rate of 87.3 per 1,000 is lower than the UK average, and its safety score of 80 is commendable. Nearby Worthing, for example, might present different crime patterns due to its larger urban centre and varied demographics. Adur, being a smaller district, could show lower absolute crime figures but potentially different per capita rates. Havant and Portsmouth, as more densely populated urban areas, are likely to have higher crime rates, particularly in categories like theft and anti-social behaviour, which are often associated with urban environments. Horsham, often perceived as a more affluent and quieter area, might exhibit lower overall crime rates and a stronger focus on property-related offences. Understanding these regional variations helps residents to contextualise Arun's safety profile within the broader West Sussex and Hampshire regions.

Protecting Your Property in Arun

Given Arun's property crime rate of 32.3 per 1,000 people, which is close to the UK average, residents should prioritise robust home security. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV cameras, often only provide footage after a burglary has occurred. While useful for evidence, they do not actively prevent the crime. For genuine protection, consider moving beyond reactive recording to proactive deterrence.

Advanced systems like scOS offer a significant shift in home security. Utilising AI, scOS detects potential threats at the very boundary of your property, stopping intruders before they gain entry. This multi-camera intelligence ensures comprehensive surveillance, never missing a detail, while features such as DVLA vehicle verification can instantly flag suspicious vehicles. By learning your family's routines and distinguishing between genuine threats and everyday activities, scOS minimises false alarms. When a real threat is identified, scOS can trigger an autonomous response, activating lights and engaging speakers, destroying the element of surprise and encouraging intruders to leave. Most burglars decide within 60 seconds whether to proceed; a visible and proactive system like scOS can be a powerful deterrent, encouraging them to move on to an easier target. Prioritising prevention over mere recording offers a superior level of protection for your property in Arun.