Arun Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Arun's crime profile in August 2023 reveals a distinct balance between property and violent crime, with violent offences accounting for 31.9% of all reported incidents compared to 37.3% for property crimes. This shift marks a notable divergence from the typical seasonal patterns observed in coastal districts, where property crime usually dominates during summer months. The overall crime rate of 7.7 per 1,000 residents places Arun 4.9% below the UK average, a margin that aligns with the area's mixed urban-rural character. Violence and sexual offences remain the most prevalent category, contributing 2.5 per 1,000 residents, a figure 5% below the national average. This suggests a potential correlation with local initiatives targeting domestic violence. Anti-social behaviour follows closely at 1.4 per 1,000, consistent with the district's commuter town dynamics where transient populations may contribute to such incidents. The seasonal context of August as a peak holiday month appears to have had a muted effect compared to similar areas, with burglary rates remaining stable despite increased property vacancies. However, the 43% above-average rate for criminal damage and arson may indicate heightened activity in rural areas during the summer, linked to agricultural practices or recreational use of open spaces. This pattern contrasts with urban centres where such crimes typically decline in warmer months, highlighting Arun's unique geographic and demographic profile.

August 2023 saw dramatic fluctuations in specific crime categories, with robbery incidents surging by 200% compared to July, rising from 4 to 12 reported cases. This sharp increase, though still below the UK average for the category, raises questions about localized factors such as increased foot traffic during August festivals or changes in policing strategies. Burglary also rose by 19%, climbing from 58 to 69 incidents, a trend that may reflect the seasonal context of empty homes during the peak holiday period. Conversely, shoplifting dropped by 42.2% to 85 incidents, a significant decrease that could indicate effective retail security measures or reduced footfall in commercial areas. The anti-social behaviour category experienced a 17.6% increase to 234 reports, suggesting potential links to summer social events or changes in community engagement. Arun's violent crime rate of 2.5 per 1,000 remains 5% below the UK average, a figure that contrasts with the 43% above-average rate for criminal damage and arson. This divergence may reflect the district's dual character as both a commuter hub and a rural area, where different risk factors apply. Residents may find the 100% below-average rate for theft from the person particularly relevant, indicating a lower risk of mugging or pickpocketing compared to other parts of the country.

Arun's crime rate in August 2023 dropped by 11.3% compared to July, falling from 8.7 to 7.7 per 1,000 residents. This decline places the district's current rate 4.9% below the UK average, a position it has maintained for several months. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of 42 crimes per day in August, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 130 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate is lower than the UK average, though the daily figure must be considered alongside the district's population density and geographic spread. When compared to the previous month, the most significant change was the 200% increase in robbery incidents, which suggests that while overall crime has decreased, certain categories remain volatile. The population-scaled perspective reveals that each resident in Arun faced a 0.0077 probability of experiencing a crime in August, a rate that is 0.0008 per 1,000 below the UK average. This small but consistent gap may reflect the district's investment in community policing or its demographic composition, which includes a higher proportion of older residents who may report crimes at different rates compared to other areas. The combination of these factors creates a complex picture where overall trends mask significant variations in specific crime types, highlighting the need for targeted analysis of local conditions.