Bognor Regis Crime Rate

Bognor Regis has a safety score of 79/100, which aligns with the UK average. The town's overall crime rate is 92.5 per 1,000 residents, slightly higher than the national average of 91.6. Of significant concern is the recent crime trend, which shows an increasing direction with a 17.1% rise year-over-year. As a popular seaside resort, Bognor Regis faces unique safety challenges, particularly during the peak summer months. While it remains a standard urban environment in terms of safety, the rising crime trend necessitates increased awareness and proactive security measures for residents. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, time patterns, and safety suggestions for the Bognor Regis area.

Crime Breakdown in Bognor Regis

In the seaside town of Bognor Regis, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently reported crimes, accounting for 33.8% of all incidents (2,225 crimes). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 15.4% (1,013 incidents) and shoplifting at 10.9% (721 incidents). These figures are typical for a busy coastal resort that experiences high footfall and a significant evening economy.

Property crime is a notable concern for Bognor Regis residents, with a combined rate of 34.6 per 1,000 residents. This includes burglary (334 incidents), criminal damage and arson (568 incidents), and vehicle crime (239 incidents). The property crime rate here is higher than the UK average of 32.2, suggesting that homes and businesses are more vulnerable to opportunistic theft and vandalism. For residents, this means that while the overall safety score is 79/100, the risk to physical property is a tangible factor. Implementing effective security measures, particularly for those living in high-traffic areas or near the seafront, is essential to protect against the higher-than-average rates of burglary and criminal damage.

Crime Trends in Bognor Regis

The crime trend in Bognor Regis is currently increasing, with a 17.1% rise year-over-year. This is a significant upward trajectory that residents should be aware of. Monthly data for 2025 shows that after a relatively quiet start in February (6.3), crime rates climbed steadily through the spring and summer. The peak occurred in August, reaching 9.5 per 1,000 residents, which strongly correlates with the height of the summer holiday season and the increased influx of tourists to the town.

The rates remained elevated throughout the second half of the year, with a notable end-of-year rise to 7.7 in December. This sustained increase across multiple months suggests that the town is facing persistent safety challenges. For residents, this means that the typical seasonal spikes are becoming more pronounced and that consistent security measures are increasingly important. The 17.1% overall increase highlights a need for both community-led safety initiatives and individual proactive security to mitigate the rising risk of both personal and property crime.

How To Keep Safe in Bognor Regis

The most prevalent crime in Bognor Regis is violence and sexual offences, which are often concentrated in the town centre and along the seafront, especially during the busy summer months and weekend nights. To stay safe, always be aware of your surroundings and try to stick to well-lit, busy areas. If you are out late, use reputable taxi services or travel with friends. Avoiding poorly lit areas and being mindful of your personal space in crowded places can significantly reduce your risk.

Anti-social behaviour is also common, particularly in public parks and near the beach. It is best to avoid engaging with confrontational groups and report any issues to the local police. Given the significant rate of shoplifting, local business owners should consider high-visibility security and staff training. For residents, the higher-than-average rate of burglary and vehicle crime, especially at night, means that double-checking locks and ensuring no valuables are left in cars is essential. Simple steps like installing a motion-activated porch light can also serve as a strong deterrent against opportunistic property crime in the town.

Crime Patterns in Bognor Regis

Crime in Bognor Regis follows a clear temporal cycle. The morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm) are dominated by theft-related offences, which account for 40% of all crimes during these periods. This is largely driven by the town's active retail sector and the high volume of visitors. Burglary also peaks in the afternoon (22%), suggesting that opportunists target residential properties when occupants are likely to be out.

As the day turns to evening (6pm-12am), 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, become the most prominent, making up 55% of the total. Night-time (12am-6am) sees a significant shift in risk, with vehicle crime surging to 29% and burglary reaching its highest percentage of any period at 25%. This data indicates that while personal safety is a concern during the busy daytime and evening hours, property and vehicles are most at risk in the quiet early morning hours. Residents should ensure that home and vehicle security is at its most robust before retiring for the night.

When compared to its immediate neighbours, Bognor Regis has a notably higher crime rate of 92.5 per 1,000 residents. Nearby Pagham (71.2) and North Mundham (34.2) are significantly quieter, while areas like Shripney and Runcton reported no crime in this period. This disparity is expected, as Bognor Regis is the main urban settlement and commercial hub for the region, attracting far more people for shopping, work, and leisure. For those looking at the wider Arun area, Bognor Regis offers the most amenities but also carries the highest risk profile. Residents in the town should be aware that they live in the most active part of the local region and take appropriate security precautions.

In Bognor Regis, the property crime rate of 34.6 per 1,000 residents, combined with a 17.1% increase in overall crime, highlights a growing need for effective home security. Traditional CCTV systems are often reactive, merely providing footage of a crime after it has happened. In an environment where burglary and criminal damage are key concerns, proactive protection is far more effective.

The scOS AI-powered home security operating system is designed to stop crime at the property line. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your home's boundaries 24/7, identifying potential threats the moment they appear. It can distinguish between a neighbour and a suspicious stranger, ensuring you only receive alerts for real concerns. With autonomous responses like activating lights and speakers, scOS deters intruders before they can cause damage or gain entry. For Bognor Regis residents, scOS offers a professional-grade security solution that moves beyond simple recording to active prevention, providing peace of mind in an area with rising crime rates.