Bognor Regis Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Bognor Regis recorded a crime rate of 7.6 per 1,000 residents in August 2023, placing it 6.2% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This figure, while lower than the national benchmark, reveals a complex picture shaped by seasonal and local factors. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 34.1% of all crimes, making them the most prevalent category, followed by criminal damage and arson (16.0%) and anti-social behaviour (14.7%). The seasonal context of August as a peak holiday month may have influenced patterns, particularly in burglary, which rose by 52.9% compared to July. The UK average for criminal damage and arson is 0.6 per 1,000, but Bognor Regis recorded 1.2 per 1,000, a figure 90% higher than the national rate. This discrepancy suggests localised pressures that may be tied to the area's character as a coastal town with a mix of residential and tourist activity. Anti-social behaviour, meanwhile, was 24% below the UK average, reflecting community efforts or effective policing strategies. The overall crime rate, though lower than the UK average, indicates that residents should remain vigilant, particularly in light of the sharp rise in robbery and burglary. These increases may be linked to the seasonal influx of visitors, which can create opportunities for opportunistic crime. The data also highlights a reduction in shoplifting, which fell by 47.3% compared to July, due to increased surveillance or seasonal retail practices. While the overall rate is lower than the UK average, the variation in specific crime types underscores the need for tailored approaches to crime prevention in the area.

August 2023 saw a 150% increase in robbery incidents, with the number rising from 2 to 5. This sharp rise may partly explain heightened vigilance in public spaces, particularly in areas with high foot traffic. Burglary also rose by 52.9%, increasing from 17 to 26, a trend consistent with the seasonal context of August as a peak holiday month when properties are more likely to be unoccupied. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 47.3%, dropping from 55 to 29, potentially reflecting increased policing or seasonal shifts in retail activity. Criminal damage and arson in Bognor Regis were 90% above the UK average, with 1.2 per 1,000 residents compared to the national rate of 0.6 per 1,000. This disparity highlights a local challenge requiring targeted interventions. The 100% increase in 'other crime' incidents, from 6 to 12, underscores the need for further analysis into emerging patterns.

Bognor Regis' crime rate in August 2023 dropped by 12.1% compared to July, falling from 8.7 to 7.6 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with a broader trend observed in the area during summer months, though August remains a period of heightened activity in some categories. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 18 crimes per day, reflecting the cumulative nature of monthly reporting. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 131 residents, a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents relative to the population of 71,159. While this monthly exposure rate is lower than the previous month, it underscores that crime remains a consistent concern for residents. The population-scaled perspective highlights that the majority of residents are not directly affected, but the distribution of crime types—particularly the sharp rise in robbery and burglary—warrants attention from local authorities and communities.