Bognor Regis Crime Rate March 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Bognor Regis, a coastal town in West Sussex, recorded a crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 residents in March 2023, placing it 9.2% below the UK average of 7.6. This relatively low rate reflects the area’s character as a seaside resort with a mix of residential and tourist activity. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 39% of all recorded crimes. This aligns with the seasonal transition to spring, when evenings lengthen and public spaces become more frequented, potentially contributing to increased social interactions and associated incidents. Criminal damage and arson, at 0.9 per 1,000 residents, were 50% above the UK average, a figure that may be influenced by the town’s coastal infrastructure, which could be more susceptible to vandalism during periods of high winds or heavy rainfall. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, at 0.9 per 1,000 residents, 13% below the UK average, suggesting that community policing or local initiatives might be effectively mitigating such incidents. Shoplifting, at 0.7 per 1,000 residents, was 43% above the UK average, linked to the town’s retail presence and tourist footfall, particularly in the high street area. These patterns illustrate how local geography and seasonal rhythms intersect with crime trends, offering insights into the factors that shape public safety in this coastal community.

March 2023 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with shoplifting rates rising sharply to 0.7 per 1,000 residents—43% above the UK average. This increase may be tied to the arrival of spring, when retail activity intensifies and tourist numbers grow, creating opportunities for theft in high-traffic areas. Conversely, anti-social behaviour dropped to 0.9 per 1,000 residents, 13% below the UK average, a trend that could reflect the effectiveness of local policing efforts or community engagement programs during the early part of the year. Violent crimes, which accounted for 39% of all recorded incidents, remained consistent with the UK average.7 per 1,000 residents was 1% below the national figure. This suggests that while violent crime remains a concern, the area’s relatively low rate may be supported by the presence of public spaces that encourage community cohesion. The most striking deviation from the UK average was in criminal damage and arson, which stood at 0.9 per 1,000 residents—50% above the national figure. This could be attributed to the town’s coastal environment, where weather-related incidents or targeted vandalism might occur more frequently. For residents, the sharp rise in shoplifting highlights the need for increased vigilance in retail areas, particularly during the spring season when foot traffic increases.

Bognor Regis’ crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 residents in March 2023 was 9.2% below the UK average, a margin that underscores the area’s relatively low crime profile compared to national trends. On a daily basis, the town experienced approximately 16 crimes per day, a figure that, while significant, is tempered by the area’s population of 71,159. When viewed through the lens of monthly exposure, one crime was reported for every 144 residents over the course of the month, a statistic that provides context for individual risk. This rate is lower than the UK average, which may be influenced by the town’s character as a coastal resort with a strong sense of community and targeted local policing. The breakdown of crime types further illustrates this comparative advantage: anti-social behaviour and other theft were significantly below the UK average, suggesting that the area’s social fabric and infrastructure may be effectively mitigating certain types of crime. However, the elevated rates of shoplifting and criminal damage and arson highlight specific vulnerabilities that require continued attention. These figures, when considered alongside the town’s demographic and geographic profile, paint a nuanced picture of public safety—one where overall crime remains manageable but targeted interventions may be necessary to address emerging trends.