Bognor Regis Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

November 2024 saw an unexpected surge in shoplifting and bicycle theft in Bognor Regis, despite the area’s overall crime rate of 6.6 per 1,000 residents—13.2% below the UK average of 7.6. This coastal town’s crime profile reveals a stark contrast between property and violent crime trends. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 36.4% of all crimes, making them the most prevalent category.4 per 1,000 is 7% below the UK average. The sharp rise in shoplifting (52 incidents, up 73.3% from October) and bicycle theft (6 incidents, up 50%) defies seasonal expectations for a seaside area typically associated with anti-social behaviour during events like Bonfire Night. These increases may partly reflect the timing of Black Friday sales and extended evening darkness, which could have impacted retail security measures. Conversely, violent crime rates remained relatively stable, with 172 incidents reported. Anti-social behaviour, at 55 cases (11.7% of total crimes), is 28% below the UK average, likely reflecting the town’s smaller population and community-focused policing strategies. The seasonal context of November—dark evenings, Bonfire Night, and post-Christmas shopping—may have influenced patterns. Overall, the crime rate highlights a combination of local characteristics and national trends, with Bognor Regis maintaining a safer profile than the UK average despite unexpected spikes in specific categories.

The most striking shift in November 2024 was the 73.3% increase in shoplifting, from 30 to 52 incidents, a surge that outpaced even the typically high seasonal spikes in anti-social behaviour. This jump, coupled with a 50% rise in bicycle theft, contrasts with the 57.1% decline in theft from the person (from 7 to 3 cases), suggesting varied success in crime prevention efforts. Violence and sexual offences, at 172 incidents, remained the largest category but were 7% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, possibly due to the town’s low-density housing and limited nightlife. Criminal damage and arson, at 54 incidents (0.8 per 1,000), were 40% above the UK average, a figure that may reflect local issues with property maintenance or seasonal vandalism linked to Bonfire Night. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour fell 28% below the UK average, aligning with Bognor Regis’s community policing focus and smaller population size. Residents may find the 16 daily crimes (472 total over 30 days) a useful benchmark, though the 1-in-151 monthly exposure rate indicates a relatively low risk compared to larger urban areas.

Bognor Regis’s November 2024 crime rate of 6.6 per 1,000 residents marked a 5% decline from October’s 7.0, reflecting a consistent trend of lower-than-UK-average rates. This reduction, though modest, positions the town as 13.2% safer than the national average, a margin that could be attributed to its coastal character and lower population density. The daily crime count of 16 incidents (472 total over 30 days) provides a tangible metric for residents, though it’s important to note this figure is specific to Bognor Regis and not directly comparable to UK-wide averages. The monthly exposure rate—1 crime per 151 residents—illustrates a low-frequency profile, particularly when compared to larger cities where crime is often more concentrated. However, the 40% above-average rate for criminal damage and arson raises questions about local factors, such as the impact of seasonal events or property maintenance practices in the area. These figures, when contextualised with the town’s population of 71,159, highlight a nuanced picture where overall safety is maintained through community engagement, but specific categories remain vulnerable to external pressures like seasonal festivities.