Bognor Regis Crime Rate

Bognor Regis is a well-known coastal town in West Sussex, currently holding a safety score of 79/100. The area's overall crime rate is 90.8 per 1,000 residents, which is almost identical to the UK national average of 91.7. Recent data indicates an upward trend in criminal activity, with a 15.3% increase year-over-year. As a popular seaside resort, Bognor Regis experiences fluctuations in crime related to seasonal tourism and its busy town centre. While personal offences and anti-social behaviour are the most frequently reported, property-related crime is also a significant factor for the local community. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of statistics to help residents and visitors understand the safety landscape of Bognor Regis.

In Bognor Regis, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime, accounting for 33.8% of all reports. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent at 15.4%, followed by shoplifting at 10.9%. Overall property crime—including burglary, theft, and vehicle-related offences—occurs at a rate of 33.9 per 1,000 residents. This is slightly above the UK national average of 32.3. Within this category, criminal damage and arson (8.3%) and 'other theft' (6.4%) are more frequent than burglary (4.9%). This indicates that while residential burglary is a concern, residents and business owners should be particularly mindful of opportunistic theft and vandalism. Vehicle crime also accounts for 3.9% of reports, highlighting the need for good car security in this busy coastal town.

Bognor Regis has seen a 15.3% increase in crime over the past year. Monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates fluctuated between 5.9 and 9.5 per 1,000 residents. The highest activity was recorded during the summer, with a significant peak in August (9.5), likely reflecting the height of the tourist season. Other high months included March (8.4), June (8.2), and July (8.4). The year ended with a slight decrease to 7.1 in November. This pattern suggests that while the overall trend is upward, crime in Bognor Regis is heavily influenced by seasonal factors and the town's role as a major seaside destination.

How To Keep Safe in Bognor Regis

The most frequent crimes in Bognor Regis are violence and sexual offences and anti-social behaviour, which are often concentrated in the town centre and tourist areas. To stay safe, it is recommended to remain aware of your surroundings, especially when out late at night or in crowded spots. Stick to well-lit, busy streets and travel with friends where possible. Use personal safety apps and be mindful of your belongings in busy retail and beach areas.

Property crime is also a factor, with shoplifting, criminal damage, and burglary being prominent. Always ensure your home is securely locked, including all windows and side gates. Given that a significant percentage of burglaries occur in the afternoon and night, maintaining good security habits throughout the day is vital. For vehicle owners, ensure your car is locked and that no valuables are left on display, particularly when parked in public coastal car parks. Installing a proactive security system that detects and deters intruders at your property boundary can provide the best protection against opportunistic theft. Participation in local Neighbourhood Watch schemes is also encouraged to stay informed about any suspicious activity in your neighbourhood.

Crime timing in Bognor Regis shows that theft-related offences are primarily a daytime issue, while anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime peak in the evening and night. Theft accounts for 41% of morning reports and 42% of afternoon incidents, directly correlating with peak shopping and tourist hours. In contrast, vehicle crime is most prevalent during the night (12am-6am), representing 29% of all reports in that window. Anti-social behaviour and 'other' crimes are highest in the evening (52%). Burglary is more prominent at night (26%) and in the afternoon (23%). These patterns suggest that while the town is a busy resort, different risks emerge throughout the 24-hour cycle, requiring varied security focus.

Bognor Regis (90.8) is a major urban and tourist hub, which is reflected in its higher crime rate compared to its immediate neighbours. It is more active than Pagham (70.0) and significantly busier than North Mundham (33.3) and the villages of Shripney and Runcton, which reported no crimes (0.0). This higher rate is typical for a primary seaside resort with high seasonal footfall and a busy town centre. For those seeking a balance of amenities and safety, Bognor Regis remains a standard urban performer in the West Sussex region.

Bognor Regis has a property crime rate of 33.9 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly above the national average. In a busy coastal town with high tourist footfall, properties can be targeted by opportunistic thieves. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or video doorbells, are reactive; they record a crime as it happens but often fail to prevent it. For residents in Bognor Regis, scOS offers a more advanced, proactive solution. The AI-powered system monitors all camera feeds simultaneously to identify potential threats at the property boundary. It can verify vehicles and recognize daily routines, ensuring that alerts are only sent for real threats. If an intruder is detected, scOS can autonomously activate deterrents like lights and speakers to stop a burglary or vehicle theft before it begins. This preventative approach is essential for protecting homes in a busy seaside environment.