Arun Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In August 2023, Arun's overall crime rate stood at 7.7 per 1,000 residents, 4.9% below the UK average of 8.1. This figure reflects a nuanced balance between property and violent crimes, with property crimes accounting for 37.4% of total incidents and violent crimes comprising 31.9%. The dominance of property crimes over violent ones suggests a landscape where theft and damage-related offences are more prevalent, potentially influenced by the area's seasonal dynamics. August, as a peak holiday month, likely contributed to the 19% increase in burglary rates, a pattern consistent with other coastal and tourist-heavy regions where unoccupied homes during summer vacations create vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, the 31.9% share of violent crimes, including 419 cases of violence and sexual offences, indicates persistent challenges in addressing personal safety, though this category remains 5% below the UK average. The breakdown reveals that anti-social behaviour (17.8% of total crimes) and criminal damage (12.0%) are significant contributors to the local crime picture, with the latter exceeding the UK average by 43%. These findings align with the area's characteristics, where recreational spaces and seasonal tourism may drive both property and public order offences. The lower-than-average rates for shoplifting and drug-related crimes, meanwhile, suggest effective local interventions or environmental factors that deter certain types of criminal activity. As the summer season progresses, the interplay between tourism, housing patterns, and law enforcement strategies will likely continue to shape Arun's crime profile.

August saw a dramatic 200% increase in robbery incidents, rising from four to twelve cases, a shift that contrasts sharply with the 42.2% decline in shoplifting. This divergence highlights a growing imbalance in crime patterns, with violent crimes (31.9% of total) now slightly outpacing property crimes (37.4% of total), a reversal from earlier in the year. The sharp rise in robbery may be linked to the holiday season, as empty homes and increased foot traffic in tourist areas create opportunities for opportunistic criminals. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour rose by 17.6%, a trend consistent with warmer weather and extended evening hours. Burglary rates increased by 19%, a development that aligns with seasonal patterns observed in similar districts, where empty properties during August vacations contribute to higher burglary rates. Conversely, shoplifting fell significantly, potentially reflecting tighter enforcement in retail areas or a shift in criminal activity to other crime types.

Arun's crime rate in August 2023 fell 11.3% from 8.7 to 7.7 per 1,000 residents compared to July, marking the first decline in the series this year. This reduction aligns with a broader trend observed in local policing reports, which note a seasonal dip in property crimes during summer months. On a daily basis, Arun recorded an average of 42 crimes per day in August, a figure that translates to approximately one reported crime for every 130 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate is lower than the average for comparable districts, suggesting a relatively stable environment despite the holiday season. The population context further underscores this stability: with 170,064 residents, the crime rate remains well below the UK average, reinforcing Arun's position as a safer-than-average area. Residents may find the daily crime count particularly useful for contextualising local safety, though the low monthly exposure rate indicates that most residents are unlikely to experience crime directly.