Barnham (Arun) Crime Rate

Barnham (Arun) is a safe and well-regarded urban settlement in West Sussex, currently holding a high safety score of 83/100. The area's overall crime rate is 76.4 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the UK national average of 91.7. Recent data indicates a very positive trend, with an 18.1% decrease in reported crime year-over-year. As a key transport hub and residential area, Barnham maintains a secure environment compared to many other settlements in the district. While personal offences and anti-social behaviour are the most frequently reported, property-related crime—particularly shoplifting and vehicle crime—is also a factor. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of statistics to help residents and visitors understand the safety landscape of Barnham.

In Barnham (Arun), violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 31.3% of all reports. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent at 20.9%, followed by shoplifting at 8.9%. Overall property crime—including burglary, theft, and vehicle-related offences—occurs at a rate of 27.3 per 1,000 residents. This is lower than the UK national average of 32.3. Within this category, criminal damage and arson (7.9%) and vehicle crime (7.8%) are more frequent than residential burglary (4.0%). This indicates that while the area is generally safe, residents should be mindful of opportunistic theft and car security. Burglary rates are low, but maintaining good home security remains important for long-term safety.

Barnham has seen a significant 18.1% decrease in crime over the past year. Monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates fluctuated between 5.0 and 8.5 per 1,000 residents. The highest activity was recorded in May (8.5) and July (8.1), while the lowest was in August (5.0). This consistency suggests that the safety environment in Barnham is well-managed, with no sudden spikes in criminal activity. The notable decrease is a very positive indicator for the area's safety profile, showing that crime levels are falling despite the town's high activity levels.

How To Keep Safe in Barnham (Arun)

The most frequent crimes in Barnham are violence and sexual offences and anti-social behaviour, which are often concentrated in busy areas like the railway station and the village centre. To stay safe, it is recommended to remain aware of your surroundings, especially when using public transport late at night. Stick to well-lit, busy streets and travel with friends where possible. Use personal safety apps and be mindful of your belongings in local retail spaces.

Property crime is also a factor, with shoplifting, criminal damage, and vehicle crime being prominent. Always ensure your home is securely locked, including all windows and side gates. Given that a significant percentage of vehicle crimes occur at night, 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 car parks near the station. 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 Barnham 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 30% of morning reports and 34% of afternoon incidents, correlating with peak travel and shopping hours. In contrast, vehicle crime is most prevalent during the night (12am-6am), representing 50% of all reports in that window. Anti-social behaviour and 'other' crimes are highest in the evening (48%). Burglary is more prominent in the afternoon (23%) and evening (18%). These patterns suggest that while the area is safe, different risks emerge throughout the 24-hour cycle, requiring varied security focus, particularly for vehicles overnight.

Barnham (76.4) is a central residential and transport hub, which is reflected in its crime rate compared to its immediate neighbours. It is safer than nearby Yapton (109.5) but more active than Walberton (69.4). It is also busier than the nearby villages of Norton, Slindon, and Shripney, all of which reported no crimes (0.0). This rate is typical for an urban settlement with a major railway station and active local retail sectors. For those seeking a balance of amenities and safety, Barnham remains a solid performer in the West Sussex area.

Barnham has a property crime rate of 27.3 per 1,000 residents, which is below the national average. In a busy residential area with a major transport hub and active shopping sectors, properties and vehicles can be 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 Barnham, 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 urban environment.