Bognor Regis Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Bognor Regis' crime profile in May 2023 reveals a clear dominance of violent crime over property crime, with 190 violent incidents recorded compared to 173 property-related offences. This imbalance, though not unusual for coastal areas with active social scenes, contrasts with some UK regions where property crime typically leads. The overall crime rate of 7.2 per 1,000 residents — 10% below the UK average of 8.0 — suggests a generally safer environment. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 37% of all crimes, a category where Bognor Regis performed 3% below the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000. This could reflect the town's character as a tourist destination with seasonal fluctuations in population and social activity, particularly during longer evenings in May. Anti-social behaviour (13.8% of total crimes) was also lower than the UK average, potentially linked to the area's community-focused policing initiatives or the absence of large-scale nightlife hubs. Seasonal factors may have contributed to the rise in criminal damage and arson (61% above UK average), tied to increased outdoor activity and the presence of seasonal events. While the rate of vehicle crime remains well below the UK average, the sharp increases in burglary and bicycle theft highlight areas for further scrutiny, particularly as the summer months approach and outdoor activity intensifies.

May 2023 saw significant increases in burglary (+160%), bicycle theft (+150%), and possession of weapons (+120%) compared to the previous month, raising questions about local vulnerabilities. Violent crimes (190) outnumbered property crimes (173), marking a shift in the crime mix that contrasts with some UK regions where property crime dominates. Criminal damage and arson in Bognor Regis (1.0 per 1,000) was 61% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000, suggesting a unique local dynamic in this category. Conversely, vehicle crime (0.2 per 1,000) was 56% below the UK average, possibly linked to the area's lower density of parked vehicles or effective local policing. These fluctuations, particularly the rise in burglary, may prompt residents to review home security measures as the warmer months continue.

Bognor Regis' crime rate in May 2023 rose by 12.0% compared to the previous month, increasing from 6.4 to 7.2 per 1,000 residents. This upward trend, though still below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, suggests a shift in local patterns that warrant attention. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately 17 crimes reported each day in May, reflecting a consistent presence of criminal activity despite the overall lower rate. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 139 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for local residents. With a population of 71,159, this translates to a manageable level of risk for most individuals, though the rise in specific crime types such as burglary and bicycle theft indicates areas where community awareness could be strengthened. The population-scaled perspective highlights that while the area remains safer than the UK average, the month-on-month increase signals a need for targeted interventions in high-risk categories.