Barnham (Arun) Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile in Barnham (Arun) during November 2023 reveals a distinct balance between property and violent crime, shaped by seasonal and local factors. With 7.6 crimes per 1,000 residents, the area slightly exceeds the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. The most prevalent crime type was shoplifting, accounting for 27% of all reported incidents (17 cases) and 282% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This spike aligns with the timing of Black Friday shopping, which typically sees increased retail activity and corresponding thefts. Violence and sexual offences followed, making up 23.8% of the total (15 cases), but this rate is 31% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. The lower violent crime rate may reflect Barnham's character as a built-up area within a rural district, where public spaces are more open and less densely populated than urban centres. Anti-social behaviour, though less frequent than shoplifting, also stood out at 15.9% of total crimes (10 cases) and 14% above the UK average of 1.1 per 1,000. This could be linked to the impact of dark evenings in November, which may reduce visibility and increase opportunities for anti-social acts. The seasonal context of November—marked by Bonfire Night and the transition into colder weather—likely influenced crime patterns, with shoplifting and anti-social behaviour benefiting from increased foot traffic and social gatherings. However, the relatively low rates of burglary (1.6% of total crimes) and vehicle crime (60% below the UK average) suggest that Barnham's residential and commercial areas may have effective security measures in place, or that the area's layout minimises opportunities for such crimes. The balance of crime types indicates a mix of retail-driven and community-based factors shaping the local crime picture, with property crimes dominating but not overwhelming the overall statistics.

November 2023 saw sharp fluctuations in specific crime categories, with anti-social behaviour surging by 400% month-on-month (from 2 to 10 cases) and burglary doubling (from 0 to 1 case). These increases, alongside an 80% rise in public order offences (from 5 to 9), suggest a shift in the crime mix toward more community-focused issues during the month. Conversely, criminal damage and arson dropped 83.3% (from 6 to 1 case), and bicycle theft fell 80% (from 5 to 1), potentially reflecting the impact of seasonal changes, such as shorter evenings reducing opportunities for vandalism or cycling-related theft. The shoplifting rate (2.1 per 1,000) remains starkly higher than the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000, with 282% above the national figure—a disparity that may be attributed to Barnham's proximity to retail hubs or the timing of Black Friday sales. Meanwhile, violence and sexual offences decreased by 25% (from 20 to 15 cases), a drop that could be influenced by the reduced number of large events in November compared to peak summer months. For residents, the 400% increase in anti-social behaviour highlights a pressing concern, particularly around public spaces during darker evenings. This trend may be linked to the local community's response to seasonal events or the need for greater community engagement to address underlying issues.

Barnham (Arun)'s crime rate in November 2023 rose 6.7% compared to the previous month's rate of 7.1 per 1,000, bringing the total to 7.6 per 1,000. This increase, though modest, places the area slightly above the UK average for the month. On a daily basis, 2 crimes were reported per day in November, a figure that provides a tangible sense of the frequency of incidents for local residents. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 131 residents, a monthly exposure rate that situates Barnham within a broader demographic context. With a population of 8,276, the area's crime statistics must be interpreted in relation to its size and density—Barnham is a built-up area within a rural district, which may influence both the visibility of crime and the effectiveness of local policing. The 1-in-131 resident figure, while seemingly low, reflects the concentrated nature of crime in specific locations rather than a uniformly distributed risk. This contrasts with the UK average, which would require a national-level comparison not provided here. The slight increase in the overall rate from October to November may be partially explained by the seasonal factors of November, including the timing of Bonfire Night and the onset of darker evenings. However, the relatively stable population size and the absence of major demographic shifts suggest that local conditions, rather than external factors, are more likely to explain the month-on-month change. For residents, the comparison highlights the need to remain vigilant during periods of increased activity, such as those associated with seasonal events, while also recognising the area's overall safety profile relative to the UK.