Barnham (Arun) Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

December 2023 presented a stark contrast in Barnham (Arun)'s crime profile, with the area's overall crime rate reaching 9.2 per 1,000 residents—27.8% above the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. This figure, driven by an 113.3% month-on-month rise in violence and sexual offences, underscores a significant shift in the local crime profile. As a built-up area within Arun, Barnham's proximity to both rural and urban environments may contribute to its unique crime patterns, where retail-focused crimes like shoplifting (2.2 per 1,000) and property offences dominate alongside violent incidents. The seasonal context of December—marked by Christmas shopping, dark evenings, and holiday gatherings—likely amplifies certain risks, such as increased opportunities for theft and anti-social behaviour. While the area's violent crime rate (3.9 per 1,000) is 49% above the UK average, other categories like anti-social behaviour (1.0 per 1,000) and criminal damage (0.6 per 1,000) remain relatively close to national levels, suggesting localized factors rather than systemic trends. The dominance of property crimes, particularly shoplifting, may be partly explained by the area's commercial infrastructure, though the absence of a major retail hub complicates this explanation. This month's data highlights the combination of seasonal dynamics and local geography in shaping crime outcomes, with Barnham's position as a suburban-adjacent community likely influencing both the frequency and type of incidents recorded.

December 2023 marked a dramatic shift in Barnham (Arun)'s crime profile, with violence and sexual offences increasing by 113.3%—from 15 to 32 incidents—becoming the most common category at 42.1% of all crimes. This surge, which outpaces the UK average by 49%, may be linked to seasonal factors such as dark evenings and holiday gatherings. Concurrently, criminal damage and arson rose by 400% (1 to 5), a spike that could reflect increased anti-social behaviour or property-related tensions during the festive period. Conversely, public order offences fell sharply by 88.9% (9 to 1), due to reduced nightlife activity or heightened police presence. Shoplifting, at 2.2 per 1,000 residents, remains 349% above the UK average, highlighting the area's vulnerability to retail crime despite the month's typically lower foot traffic. These contrasting trends illustrate how seasonal and local factors can drive divergent crime patterns within a short timeframe.

Barnham (Arun)'s crime rate in December 2023 rose to 9.2 per 1,000 residents, a 20.6% increase from the previous month's 7.6 per 1,000. This places the area 27.8% above the UK average of 7.2 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately 2 crimes reported per day in December, a figure that reflects both seasonal patterns and local dynamics. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 109 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the frequency of incidents relative to the population of 8,276. While the rise in violent crimes and property offences contributes to this increase, the area's crime profile remains distinct from the UK average, with shoplifting and violence significantly outpacing national figures. This contrast suggests local factors—such as the area's retail presence or seasonal activity—may influence crime trends more acutely than in other regions.