Bognor Regis Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Bognor Regis, a coastal town in the Arun district, recorded a crime rate of 5.6 per 1,000 residents in January 2024, placing it 24.3% below the UK average of 7.4. This performance reflects a combination of local factors and seasonal dynamics. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 32.2% of all crimes, followed by criminal damage and arson (16.5%) and anti-social behaviour (14.9%). These figures suggest a focus on interpersonal conflicts and property-related incidents, which may be influenced by the town’s character as a mix of residential areas and coastal amenities. The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period with reduced retail footfall and shorter daylight hours—likely contributes to the observed patterns, with fewer outdoor crimes and a shift in activity to indoor spaces. The rate of violence and sexual offences in Bognor Regis is 31% below the UK average, a marked contrast to the 58% increase in criminal damage and arson compared to national figures. This divergence may reflect local initiatives or community resilience, though further analysis would be needed to confirm. The data also shows that anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, and public order offences are all below the UK average, indicating a relatively stable environment compared to other regions. However, the rise in criminal damage and arson raises questions about potential underlying issues, such as increased vandalism during colder months or localized pressures. Overall, Bognor Regis’ performance highlights both strengths and areas for attention, with its crime profile offering insights into the interplay between geography, demographics, and seasonal rhythms.

January 2024 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with shoplifting increasing by 73.3% (from 15 to 26 incidents) and vehicle crime rising by 61.5% (from 13 to 21). These jumps may be linked to post-holiday retail activity or changes in local traffic patterns. Conversely, other crime decreased by 62.5% (from 8 to 3), and bicycle theft fell by 40%, suggesting possible success in targeted interventions or reduced opportunities for such offences. The breakdown of crime types reveals a stark contrast between local and national trends: while violence and sexual offences in Bognor Regis are 31% below the UK average, criminal damage and arson are 58% above. This anomaly may reflect the town’s coastal setting, where vandalism could be more prevalent during winter or tied to specific local events. Anti-social behaviour, at 14.9% of all crimes, remains a concern, though it is 19% below the UK average. For residents, the sharp rise in shoplifting—now the fourth most common crime—could signal the need for enhanced retail security measures. The data also shows that theft from the person is 38% below the UK average, indicating effective policing or a lower tourist presence compared to other areas. These findings underscore the importance of localized strategies to address rising concerns while maintaining the town’s overall lower crime rate relative to national benchmarks.

Bognor Regis’ crime rate of 5.6 per 1,000 residents in January 2024 represents a slight decline of -1.8% from the previous month’s rate of 5.7, indicating a stable trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 13 crimes per day, a figure that provides context for residents to gauge the frequency of incidents in their daily lives. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 180 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places the area in a relatively low-risk category compared to other UK locations. With a population of 71,159, this translates to a manageable scale of incidents that may be less disruptive than in more densely populated urban centres. The comparison to the UK average also highlights the area’s strengths: for instance, the rate of violent crime is 31% below national levels, a gap that may be attributed to Bognor Regis’ smaller size, community cohesion, or proximity to open spaces that reduce tensions. However, the 58% increase in criminal damage and arson compared to the UK average suggests localized vulnerabilities that could warrant closer examination. Residents may find reassurance in the relatively low levels of theft from the person and bicycle theft, both of which are 100% below the UK average, though these figures should be interpreted alongside the rising shoplifting rates. Overall, the data illustrates a town with generally low crime levels, punctuated by specific challenges that require targeted attention.