Arundel Crime Rate

Arundel is a historic and popular tourist town in West Sussex, currently holding a safety score of 66/100. The area's overall crime rate is 174.8 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the UK national average of 91.7. Recent data indicates a very positive trend, with a 13.4% decrease in reported crime year-over-year. As a major historic destination and urban hub for the Arun district, Arundel experiences a high volume of crime related to its massive tourist footfall and active town centre. While personal offences and anti-social behaviour are the most frequently reported, property-related crime—particularly shoplifting and theft—is a major factor. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of statistics to help residents and visitors understand the safety landscape of Arundel.

In Arundel, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 24.1% of all reports. Anti-social behaviour is a close second at 22.2%, followed by shoplifting at 18.4%. Overall property crime—including burglary, theft, and vehicle-related offences—occurs at a rate of 78.2 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly above the UK national average of 32.3. Within this category, 'other theft' (9.4%) and criminal damage and arson (9.8%) are more frequent than residential burglary (3.0%). This indicates that while burglary rates are moderate, residents and business owners should be particularly mindful of opportunistic theft and vandalism. Vehicle crime also accounts for 3.4% of reports, highlighting the need for good car security in this busy historic town. The high property crime rate is a significant factor in the local safety environment.

Arundel has seen a significant 13.4% decrease in crime over the past year. Monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates fluctuated between 7.2 and 29.6 per 1,000 residents. The highest activity was recorded in March (29.6), followed by April (19.7) and January (19.1), which correlates with the start of the tourist season. The year ended with a decrease to 7.9 in November. This pattern suggests that while crime is high, it is well-managed and follows seasonal trends. The notable decrease is a very positive indicator for the town's safety environment.

How To Keep Safe in Arundel

The most frequent crimes in Arundel are violence and sexual offences and anti-social behaviour, which are often concentrated in the town centre and tourist areas. To stay safe, it is recommended to remain aware of your surroundings, especially when out late at night or in crowded spots. Stick to well-lit, busy streets and travel with friends where possible. Use personal safety apps and be mindful of your belongings in busy retail and historic areas.

Property crime is a major factor, with shoplifting, criminal damage, and theft being prominent. Always ensure your home is securely locked, including all windows and side gates. Given that a significant percentage of burglaries occur in the night and afternoon, maintaining good security habits throughout the 24-hour cycle is vital. For vehicle owners, ensure your car is locked and that no valuables are left on display, particularly when parked in public tourist car parks. Installing a proactive security system that detects and deters intruders at your property boundary can provide the best protection against opportunistic theft. Participation in local Neighbourhood Watch schemes is also encouraged to stay informed about any suspicious activity in your neighbourhood. Being vigilant and reporting any anti-social behaviour helps maintain a safer community for everyone.

Crime timing in Arundel shows that theft-related offences are primarily a daytime issue, while anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime peak in the evening and night. Theft accounts for 52% of morning reports and 56% of afternoon incidents, directly correlating with peak historic and tourist hours. In contrast, vehicle crime is most prevalent during the night (12am-6am), representing 26% of all reports in that window. Anti-social behaviour and 'other' crimes are highest in the evening (54%). Burglary is more prominent at night (17%) and in the afternoon (13%). These patterns suggest that while the town is a busy destination, different risks emerge throughout the day, requiring varied security focus.

Arundel (174.8) is a major historic and tourist hub, which is reflected in its exceptionally high crime rate compared to its immediate neighbours. It is more active than Littlehampton (128.2), Yapton (109.5), and Wick (96.4), and is significantly busier than the residential village of Walberton (69.4). This high rate is typical for a primary tourist destination with massive seasonal footfall and a busy historic centre. For those seeking a balance of culture and safety, Arundel is a central hub in the West Sussex region, though residents and visitors should be aware of the higher activity levels.

Arundel has a property crime rate of 78.2 per 1,000 residents, which is more than double the national average. In a busy historic town with massive tourist footfall, properties and businesses are frequently targeted by opportunistic thieves. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or video doorbells, are reactive; they record a crime as it happens but often fail to prevent it. For residents in Arundel, scOS offers a more advanced, proactive solution. The AI-powered system monitors all camera feeds simultaneously to identify potential threats at the property boundary. 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 essential for protecting homes in a high-activity tourist environment.