Bognor Regis Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Bognor Regis' crime rate in July 2023 stood at 8.7 per 1,000 residents, placing it 4.8% above the UK average of 8.3. This figure reflects a mix of seasonal dynamics and localized factors. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 33% of all reported crimes, driven by the town's summer tourism peak and extended evening activity. Property crimes, though lower than violent crimes, remained a notable concern, with shoplifting and criminal damage and arson contributing significantly to the overall rate. July, as a peak summer month, typically sees increased foot traffic in retail areas and public spaces, which may partly explain the higher incidence of property-related offences. The town's coastal location and proximity to major transport links likely contribute to its crime profile, with festivals and events drawing visitors who may inadvertently increase opportunities for theft and anti-social behaviour. While the overall rate is slightly above the UK average, several categories—such as anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime—showed rates below national benchmarks, suggesting localized efforts may be mitigating risks in specific areas. The seasonal context of July, with schools out and festivals in full swing, likely amplified certain crime trends, particularly in high-traffic zones. These patterns align with broader UK trends where summer months often see fluctuations in crime types, though Bognor Regis' unique geography and community structure shape the specific manifestations of these trends.

July 2023 saw sharp increases in criminal damage and arson (+185.3%) and shoplifting (+150%), both of which were significantly above UK averages. These spikes may be linked to the summer season, with more outdoor events and gatherings creating opportunities for vandalism and retail theft. Conversely, bicycle theft decreased by 36.4%, a trend consistent with lower winter demand for cycling and reduced tourist activity. The breakdown of crimes reveals a shift in the crime mix, with violent crimes accounting for 33% of all reports—higher than the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour remained 15% below the UK average, potentially reflecting community-focused policing efforts or the town's relatively low-density urban environment. Other categories, such as vehicle crime and burglary, were 38% and 39% below UK averages respectively, which may be attributed to Bognor Regis' compact built-up area and limited industrial zones. For residents, the 150% rise in shoplifting underscores the need for vigilance in retail areas during peak tourist periods, a statistic that directly informs local business security measures.

July 2023 marked a 30.9% increase in Bognor Regis' crime rate compared to June, rising from 6.6 to 8.7 per 1,000 residents. This jump is particularly evident in property-related offences, with shoplifting and criminal damage and arson surging. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 20 crimes per day, a figure that, while manageable, highlights the need for ongoing community engagement. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 115 residents, a monthly exposure rate that, when contextualized against the town's population of 71,159, suggests a relatively moderate risk profile compared to larger urban centres. This rate, however, does not account for the significant seasonal volatility seen in July, which often sees spikes in transient populations and associated crime types. The comparison to the UK average further illustrates that while Bognor Regis' overall rate is slightly elevated, its performance in categories like anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime demonstrates resilience. For local residents, the 30.9% month-on-month increase serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of crime patterns, particularly during periods of high tourism and seasonal activity.