Bognor Regis Crime Rate December 2024 | Monthly Statistics

December 2024 presented a mixed but overall positive picture for crime trends in Bognor Regis, with the area's crime rate of 5.9 per 1,000 remaining 16.9% below the UK average of 7.1. This performance reflects the built-up area's consistent efforts to manage crime through targeted policing and community engagement, particularly during the festive season when criminal activity often fluctuates. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 31.4% of all recorded incidents, a rate of 1.9 per 1,000 that is 26% below the UK average. This may be partly explained by the area's coastal character, where seasonal tourism and local community dynamics influence crime patterns. Criminal damage and arson accounted for 13.5% of incidents, with a rate of 0.8 per 1,000 that is 51% above the UK average, a figure that could be linked to the area's historic architecture and the increased use of public spaces during the holiday season. Shoplifting, at 10.5% of all crimes, maintained a rate of 0.6 per 1,000, 5% above the UK average, a pattern consistent with the presence of retail centres and the peak of Christmas shopping activity. The seasonal context of December—characterised by long evenings, empty homes during holiday periods, and the influx of visitors—likely contributes to these patterns, although the overall decline in crime compared to the previous month suggests that local initiatives are having a measurable impact.

December 2024 marked significant shifts in crime patterns for Bognor Regis, with robbery cases surging by 100% to five incidents, the highest monthly total since records began. This spike, while small in absolute terms, may partly explain the area's increased focus on street safety during the festive season. Drug-related offences also saw a sharp rise, increasing by 92.9% to 27 cases, a figure that is 67% above the UK average for this category. This trend aligns with seasonal factors, as the Christmas period often coincides with higher drug activity in areas with transient populations. Conversely, theft from the person fell by 66.7% to just one incident, the lowest monthly total on record and 100% below the UK average. This decline may reflect heightened police visibility and community awareness during the holiday season. Meanwhile, vehicle crime rose by 52.2% to 35 cases, a 25% increase above the UK average, consistent with the seasonal movement of vehicles and the potential for increased opportunistic theft during dark winter evenings.

Bognor Regis saw a 10.7% decrease in its crime rate from 6.6 per 1,000 in November 2024 to 5.9 per 1,000 in December 2024, marking a continued decline in overall crime. This reduction places the area 16.9% below the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000, a consistent trend that reflects broader regional safety improvements. Locally, the monthly crime total of 421 translates to approximately 14 crimes reported each day, a figure that contextualises the pace of criminal activity within the built-up area. Over the course of December, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 169 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average in most categories. This statistic is particularly meaningful for residents, as it illustrates the relative safety of the area compared to the national picture. With a population of 71,159, the local crime rate also demonstrates that the majority of residents are not directly affected by crime, a factor that may contribute to community confidence in local policing and crime prevention initiatives.