Arun Crime Rate

The district of Arun maintains a safety score of 80/100, placing it above the UK average of 79. With an overall crime rate of 86.9 per 1,000 people, Arun is safer than the national average of 91.6. The recent crime trend is stable, showing a consistent 5.0% change year-over-year. As a coastal district with a mix of busy seaside towns and quiet rural villages, Arun presents a varied safety landscape. While the urban centres experience more activity, the district as a whole remains a secure place to live and visit. The following analysis provides a comprehensive look at the crime statistics, property safety, and local trends across the Arun area.

About Arun

Arun is a diverse local authority district in West Sussex, encompassing the coastal towns of Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, as well as the historic town of Arundel and numerous rural villages. The area's crime statistics are influenced by its unique mix of tourism, residential communities, and commercial centres. As a popular seaside destination, Arun experiences significant seasonal population fluctuations, particularly during the summer months when visitors flock to the coast, which can lead to spikes in certain types of crime such as anti-social behaviour and theft.

Economically, the district has a blend of service industries, tourism, and agriculture. The transport links, including the A27 and rail connections to London and Brighton, facilitate movement but also provide access for transient populations. Higher density urban areas like Littlehampton and Bognor Regis naturally contribute more significantly to the overall crime rate than the quieter, more affluent rural parishes. Demographically, Arun has a higher-than-average elderly population in some coastal areas, while other parts are more transient, factors that play a role in the local safety score of 80/100 and the overall crime rate of 86.9.

Crime Breakdown in Arun

In the district of Arun, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crimes, accounting for 33.9% of all incidents (5,007 crimes). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 17.0% (2,512 incidents) and shoplifting at 10.5% (1,546 incidents). These three categories form the bulk of law enforcement activity in the region, with violence and sexual offences being particularly prominent compared to other types.

Property-related crime in Arun is a significant concern for residents, with a combined rate of 31.1 per 1,000 people. This includes criminal damage and arson (1,225 incidents), various forms of theft (903 incidents), vehicle crime (666 incidents), and burglary (582 incidents). While the overall property crime rate is slightly lower than the UK average of 32.2, the high number of criminal damage incidents suggests a need for robust external security. For homeowners, this means that while the risk of burglary is relatively low at 3.4 per 1,000, the protection of property from vandalism and vehicle-related theft remains a priority. Maintaining a visible security presence is an effective way to mitigate these risks across the district.

Crime Trends in Arun

The crime trend in Arun is currently stable, with a year-over-year increase of 5.0%. This stability suggests that despite seasonal fluctuations, the overall safety of the district is being maintained. A closer look at the monthly data for 2025 reveals a clear seasonal pattern typical of a coastal area. The year began with lower crime rates in January (6.8) and February (6.4), but as the weather improved, the rates began to climb.

The peak months were June (8.2), July (8.1), and August (8.2), coinciding with the height of the summer tourism season. This period of increased activity is followed by a sharp decline in the autumn, with rates dropping to 6.8 in September and reaching a year-low of 6.3 in November. This pattern indicates that crime in Arun is heavily influenced by the influx of visitors during the summer months. For residents, this means that while the district is generally very safe, extra vigilance is required during the busy summer period when the sheer volume of people can lead to an increase in opportunistic and anti-social offences.

In the regional context, Arun's crime rate of 86.9 per 1,000 people is higher than its immediate neighbours. Nearby Chichester, Worthing, Adur, Havant, Horsham, and Portsmouth all reported crime rates of 0.0 per 1,000 in this specific data period. This contrast is significant and highlights that Arun, particularly its coastal urban centres, serves as a primary hub for activity in this part of West Sussex. While the surrounding areas appear statistically quieter, Arun's figures are still better than the UK national average. For those considering the region, Arun offers a more vibrant, urban experience with the amenities of larger towns, which naturally results in a higher volume of reported incidents compared to the more residential or rural neighbouring districts.

With a property crime rate of 31.1 per 1,000 people, residents in Arun face a range of risks, from opportunistic theft to criminal damage. Traditional security systems are often reactive, providing you with a recording of an incident after it has already occurred. In a district where criminal damage and arson are notable components of the crime breakdown, waiting for an alarm to go off after a window is broken is not enough.

The scOS AI-powered home security operating system offers a proactive alternative. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property's perimeter, scOS can identify a threat the moment someone enters your garden or approaches your vehicle. It distinguishes between normal activity and suspicious behaviour, ensuring you aren't bothered by false alerts. When a genuine threat is detected, scOS can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating high-intensity lighting or audio warnings, to deter the individual before they can cause damage. For Arun residents, especially those in more isolated or high-traffic areas, scOS provides a professional-grade defence that prevents crime from reaching your front door.

How To Keep Safe in Arun

The most common crime in Arun is violence and sexual offences, which are frequently linked to the busier town centres and nightlife areas. To stay safe, it is important to be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Stick to well-lit, populated areas and avoid shortcuts through parks or unlit alleys. If you are visiting the seaside towns during the busy summer season, keep your personal belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings in crowded areas.

Anti-social behaviour is the second most prevalent issue in the district. To mitigate this, avoid engaging with groups causing a disturbance and report any persistent problems to the local authorities. For property owners, the high rate of criminal damage suggests that installing visible security measures, such as motion-activated lighting, can be a strong deterrent. If you are a business owner, being vigilant about shoplifting—the third most common crime—by using clear signage and staff training can help reduce losses. In more rural parts of Arun, joining a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme can provide an extra layer of community-led security and information sharing.