Barnham (Arun) Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For an area with a population of 8,276, the 48 crimes reported in July 2024 translate to a crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000 residents — 31.0% below the UK average of 8.4. This rate, while lower than the national figure, reflects a mix of crime types that align with the area’s characteristics as a built-up community within Arun. Shoplifting, the most common offence, accounted for 27.1% of all crimes, with 13 incidents reported. This figure sits 135% above the UK average of 0.7 per 1,000, suggesting a localised issue that may relate to retail activity or seasonal factors. Violence and sexual offences followed closely, contributing 22.9% of total crimes, yet remaining 54% below the UK average. This discrepancy could indicate effective local policing or community initiatives, though no specific programmes are referenced in the data. Anti-social behaviour, the third most common category, was 38% below the UK average, a pattern consistent with smaller communities where informal social controls may mitigate such incidents. Seasonal context further shapes these trends: July, a peak summer month with schools out and tourism active, often sees increased foot traffic in retail areas, which could drive shoplifting. However, the overall rate remains lower than the UK average, suggesting that Barnham (Arun)’s built-up area operates with a crime profile distinct from larger urban centres. The balance between property crimes (23 incidents, 47.9% of total) and violent crimes (11, 22.9%) reflects a community where retail spaces and public areas are focal points for criminal activity, yet where broader systemic factors contribute to a safer environment compared to the national average.

July 2024 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with public order offences surging by 200% compared to the previous month, rising from 2 to 6 incidents. This increase, while notable, remains 9% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000, suggesting that localised events or gatherings may have contributed. Vehicle crime also doubled, rising from 1 to 2 incidents, though it remains 57% below the UK average. Conversely, anti-social behaviour dropped by two-thirds (from 21 to 7), a decline that may reflect the impact of targeted interventions or seasonal changes in community dynamics. The category of criminal damage and arson similarly fell by 66.7%, aligning with a broader trend of reduced property-related offences. Shoplifting emerged as the most significant category in terms of UK comparison, with its rate 135% above the national average. This could indicate that local retail environments, concentrated in specific areas, are more vulnerable to such crimes during peak tourist months. For residents, the 27.1% share of shoplifting cases highlights a practical concern: increased vigilance in retail zones may be warranted. Meanwhile, the 54% shortfall in violence and sexual offences compared to the UK average suggests that Barnham (Arun)’s built-up area may have a lower incidence of severe interpersonal crimes, influenced by community cohesion or effective policing strategies.

The crime rate in Barnham (Arun) for July 2024 (5.8 per 1,000) marked a 29.4% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 8.2, a shift that underscores the volatility of monthly crime trends. Over the course of 31 days, this equates to roughly 2 crimes per day, a figure that, while seemingly modest, reflects the concentrated nature of reported incidents in specific areas. On a population-scaled basis, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 172 residents — a ratio that, while not insignificant, places the area well below the UK average when considering its built-up character. This 1-in-172 figure is particularly noteworthy for residents, as it contextualises the risk in terms of personal likelihood rather than abstract statistics. The comparison to the previous month also reveals a marked improvement in the overall crime picture, with property-related offences (23 in July) accounting for 47.9% of total crimes, a proportion that has likely been influenced by the seasonal context of July. The drop in anti-social behaviour and criminal damage, coupled with the surge in public order offences, illustrates how different crime categories can respond to local conditions in contrasting ways. For instance, while reduced anti-social behaviour may reflect the absence of school holidays or quieter community interactions, the rise in public order offences could point to increased socialising during summer festivals. This dynamic interplay between crime types highlights the importance of viewing statistics through the lens of both local activity and broader demographic patterns.