Barnham (Arun) Crime Rate August 2024 | Monthly Statistics

August 2024 marked a combination of trends in Barnham (Arun), where the overall crime rate stood at 5.9 per 1,000 residents, 28% below the UK average of 8.2. This figure places Barnham firmly in the lower end of national comparisons, reflecting a pattern consistent with its status as a relatively small built-up area within the rural Arun district. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (26.5% of total), followed closely by anti-social behaviour (26.5%), and shoplifting (14.3%). These figures suggest a balance between interpersonal crime and public disorder, with the former significantly underperforming relative to the UK average. Seasonal factors likely influenced these patterns, as August is typically a peak month for tourism in the region, which may contribute to both increased community activity and the risk of property-related crimes. However, the data also reveals a marked contrast in specific categories: while violence and sexual offences remain 41% below the UK average, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson exceed national rates by 11% and 45%, respectively. This divergence highlights the importance of local context in interpreting crime statistics, as factors such as population density, community policing strategies, and the area’s seasonal rhythms may shape these outcomes. The relatively low rate of violent crime, coupled with higher levels of anti-social behaviour, suggests a need for targeted interventions that address public disorder without compromising the area’s safety record.

The most striking shift in August was the 133.3% surge in criminal damage and arson, rising from 3 to 7 incidents. This marked increase, though still below the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000, suggests a potential link to seasonal factors such as the summer holidays, which may leave properties unoccupied or under-secured. Simultaneously, anti-social behaviour saw an 85.7% jump, reflecting a broader trend in community disturbances. Shoplifting decreased by 46.2% compared to July, a drop that may align with the seasonal slowdown in retail activity or heightened policing efforts in high-traffic areas. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common category, at 26.5% of total crimes, yet this rate is 41% below the UK average, a disparity that highlights Barnham’s distinct crime profile compared to national trends. The increase in other crime (from 0 to 1 incident) also warrants attention, though its significance remains unclear without further context.

August 2024 saw a 2.1% increase in Barnham’s crime rate compared to July, rising from 5.8 to 5.9 per 1,000 residents. This small upward trend contrasts with the broader UK context, where Barnham remains 28% below the national average. Locally, the daily crime count averaged 2 incidents per day over the month, a figure that reflects the area’s relatively low overall activity. When scaled to the population of 8,276, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 169 residents, a statistic that underscores the rarity of incidents in this built-up area. While the increase is modest, it suggests a slight shift in local patterns, possibly influenced by seasonal factors such as the peak holiday period in August, which may temporarily alter community dynamics or attract transient populations. This monthly exposure rate is lower than the UK average, reinforcing Barnham’s position as a safer area within the region.