Bognor Regis Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Bognor Regis' crime profile in April 2023, accounting for 39.1% of all reported crimes. This category, at 2.5 per 1,000 residents, remained 4% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, a trend consistent with the area's character as a coastal town with a mix of residential and tourist activity. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 16.2% of total crimes, reflecting patterns often seen in areas with high foot traffic and seasonal fluctuations. The overall crime rate of 6.4 per 1,000 was 14.7% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, a gap that may be partly explained by the town's relatively low population density and strong community policing efforts. Seasonal factors in April—Easter celebrations, milder weather, and increased outdoor activity—likely influenced the crime mix, with public order offences (10.9%) and criminal damage (11.6%) rising slightly above UK averages. These trends suggest a combination of local demographics and seasonal rhythms. The dominance of violent crime over property crime contrasts with national trends, where property crimes typically outpace violent offences in similar areas. This discrepancy may be attributed to Bognor Regis' status as a commuter town with a significant proportion of transient residents, though such demographic data is not explicitly provided in the dataset. The area's relatively low rates of vehicle crime (56% below UK average) and bicycle theft (100% below UK average) further highlight its distinct profile compared to urban centres, where these categories are more prevalent.

April 2023 saw notable fluctuations in specific crime categories, with theft from the person doubling (from 1 to 2) and vehicle crime rising by 57.1% (from 7 to 11). These increases may reflect heightened outdoor activity during Easter and spring weather. Conversely, burglary plummeted by 80% (from 25 to 5), and drug-related crimes dropped by 50%, potentially indicating seasonal or operational changes. The area's violent crime rate (2.5 per 1,000) was 4% below the UK average, while criminal damage and arson (0.7 per 1,000) exceeded the national rate by 15%. Theft from the person—though still rare—rose sharply, a statistic that might concern local residents planning to visit public spaces. The contrast between violent crime trends and property crime declines highlights shifting patterns in criminal activity, influenced by local events or policing strategies.

Bognor Regis' crime rate in April 2023 stood at 6.4 per 1,000 residents, marking a 7.1% decrease from the previous month's rate of 6.9 per 1,000. This decline aligns with broader seasonal patterns observed in coastal towns during spring, where increased daylight and warmer weather may reduce opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 15 reported crimes, translating to a local monthly exposure of one crime for every 155 residents. This figure provides context for residents: over the course of the month, the likelihood of encountering a crime was relatively low compared to other UK areas, particularly given the 14.7% reduction in overall crime rate compared to the national average. The drop in burglary by 80% (from 25 to 5) and a 50% reduction in drug-related crimes suggest potential shifts in local activity or policing focus from the data alone. These changes may reflect seasonal transitions, with Easter holidays and increased outdoor engagement diverting attention from property crimes.