Bognor Regis Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

December 2023 saw Bognor Regis maintain a crime rate of 5.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 20.8% below the UK average of 7.2. This continued safety trend aligns with the area’s character as a coastal town with a mix of residential and tourist activity. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 41% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (12.4%) and criminal damage and arson (10.2%). Seasonal factors likely played a role in these patterns, with the festive period bringing heightened social interactions and darker evenings potentially influencing crime dynamics. Property crimes (129) made up 32% of total offences, but violent crimes (165) remained the dominant category, reflecting the area’s urban density and the impact of seasonal events. The UK comparison highlights a consistent gap between Bognor Regis and national averages, with violent crime rates in the area 12% below the UK norm and anti-social behaviour 25% lower. These figures suggest that local policing strategies, community engagement, or the town’s geographic layout may contribute to the lower-than-average violent crime rates, though further analysis would be needed to confirm this. The seasonal context of December—peak Christmas shopping, party season, and extended evenings—may have influenced both the types and frequencies of crimes reported, though the overall rate remains stable compared to previous months.

December 2023 brought notable shifts in crime patterns, with three key developments standing out. First, violent crimes rose slightly compared to the previous month, though they remained 12% below the UK average at 2.3 per 1,000. This suggests that while local violent crime is consistently lower than the national norm, seasonal pressures such as late-night socialising and holiday-related tensions may have contributed to the 41% share of all reported crimes. Second, vehicle crime fell sharply by 43.5% (from 23 to 13), likely reflecting reduced car usage during the festive period and increased police patrols in key areas. This drop contrasts with the 56% UK average for vehicle crime, indicating a stronger local response to this category. Third, a 100% increase in 'other crime' (from 4 to 8) highlights a growing need for clarity on emerging categories, which may include unclassified or underreported incidents. Residents may find the 59% UK average for shoplifting (0.5 per 1,000) particularly relevant, as Bognor Regis recorded only 0.2 per 1,000, suggesting effective retail security measures or lower foot traffic during the Christmas period. These findings illustrate a combination of local policing, community factors, and seasonal rhythms, with the town’s crime profile remaining distinct from the national average.

Bognor Regis’ crime rate in December 2023 (5.7 per 1,000) marked a 15.0% decline from the previous month’s rate of 6.7, reflecting a sustained downward trend. This reduction, coupled with the town’s continued 20.8% gap below the UK average, underscores a relative safety compared to the national picture. On a daily basis, 13 crimes were reported each day in December, a figure that contextualises the monthly total of 402 crimes over 31 days. For residents, this translates to a monthly exposure rate of one crime per 177 people, a statistic that highlights the low likelihood of being directly affected by crime in this area. When compared to the previous month, the drop in crime rate may be attributed to seasonal factors such as the Christmas holidays, which typically see reduced opportunities for certain types of crime, particularly vehicle-related offences. The population-scaled perspective—71,159 residents—further illustrates the impact of this rate, with the town’s size contributing to a manageable crime burden. While the overall rate is lower than the UK average, specific categories like criminal damage and arson (0.6 per 1,000) show a 7% gap above the national average, indicating areas where local conditions may differ. This comparative analysis suggests that Bognor Regis’ crime profile is shaped by a combination of effective policing, community dynamics, and its unique geographic and seasonal context, which together contribute to its relatively safe environment.