Barnham (Arun) Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Barnham (Arun) recorded a crime rate of 9.8 per 1,000 residents in May 2024, placing it 16.7% above the UK average of 8.4. This marked increase follows a pattern of seasonal shifts, with longer evenings and bank holidays likely contributing to heightened social activity in the area. The top crime types were violence and sexual offences (24.7% of total), shoplifting (23.5%), and anti-social behaviour (17.3%). While violence and sexual offences were 15% below the UK average, shoplifting in Barnham was 259% above the national rate, a stark contrast that may reflect local retail dynamics. Anti-social behaviour, though lower than the UK average, still accounted for nearly 17% of all reported crimes, suggesting persistent challenges in community engagement. Public order offences rose 59% above the UK average, potentially linked to increased outdoor drinking and socialising during the extended daylight hours of May. This data illustrates a combination of local factors and national trends, with specific categories such as shoplifting requiring focused attention from residents and local authorities.

May 2024 saw a 300% increase in burglary cases, jumping from 1 to 4 incidents, a troubling spike that may reflect heightened vulnerability in residential areas. Possession of weapons also surged by 100%, with two incidents reported—double the previous month’s figure. Vehicle crime rose by 100%, with three reported cases, indicating potential risks in parking areas or public spaces. These sharp increases contrast with a 17.4% drop in shoplifting, which fell from 23 to 19 incidents, though the category remains 259% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour decreased by 6.7%, suggesting some positive outcomes from local initiatives, but the rate remains 17% above the national average. Violent crimes, while contributing 24.7% of all incidents, were 15% below the UK average, possibly due to effective community policing or targeted interventions. Residents should be particularly vigilant regarding burglary and weapon possession, as these represent the most significant upward trends in the area.

The crime rate in Barnham (Arun) rose from 8.1 per 1,000 in April 2024 to 9.8 per 1,000 in May, a 20.9% increase that underscores a growing concern for local safety. This translates to roughly 3 crimes reported per day in the area, a figure that may feel more pronounced in a built-up district with a population of 8,276. Over the course of May, one crime occurred for every 102 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, while not extreme, highlights the need for sustained attention to crime prevention. When compared to the UK average, Barnham’s crime rate is higher, with shoplifting and public order offences far exceeding national benchmarks. This divergence may be attributed to the area’s unique characteristics, such as its proximity to retail hubs or social activity zones that attract higher foot traffic. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that Barnham’s rate of violent crime, while lower than the UK average, still contributes significantly to the local crime picture, requiring a balanced approach to addressing both property and personal safety concerns.