Arun Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Arun's crime profile in July 2023, accounting for 31.9% of all reported incidents — the largest single category. With a crime rate of 8.7 per 1,000 residents, the district recorded 1,478 crimes, placing it 4.8% above the UK average of 8.3 per 1,000. The summer months typically bring heightened activity in Arun, a coastal area with a mix of rural and commuter populations, and this pattern appears to have influenced crime trends. While violence and sexual offences remained consistent with seasonal expectations, other categories showed pronounced shifts. Anti-social behaviour, which often spikes in warmer weather, actually declined slightly, possibly due to improved community engagement or increased policing during festivals. Meanwhile, property crimes — particularly shoplifting and criminal damage — rose sharply, likely tied to the influx of tourists and the district's retail hubs. The breakdown also reveals that Arun's rate for criminal damage and arson is 72% above the UK average, a stark outlier that may reflect unique local factors such as the presence of historic buildings or seasonal events that attract disruptive behaviour. These trends, when viewed alongside the area's geography and demographics, suggest a combination of population movement, seasonal activity, and policing efforts that will require ongoing monitoring.

July 2023 saw dramatic increases in shoplifting (+234.1%), vehicle crime (+133.3%), and criminal damage and arson (+122.6%), reflecting a sharp uptick in property-related incidents. These rises contrast with a 7.9% decline in anti-social behaviour, which fell from 216 to 199 incidents. Violence and sexual offences, the most common crime category, remained 1% above the UK average (2.8 vs 2.8 per 1,000). The surge in shoplifting, which now accounts for 10% of all crimes, may be linked to summer tourism and increased retail activity in the district. Meanwhile, vehicle crime — a category where Arun's rate is 17% below the UK average — rose sharply, suggesting potential vulnerabilities in parking areas or vehicle security practices. Residents might find the 234% spike in shoplifting particularly concerning, as it indicates a significant shift in criminal focus during peak tourist season.

Arun's crime rate in July 2023 (8.7 per 1,000) rose sharply from 6.5 per 1,000 in June, marking a 33.7% increase. This jump translates to roughly 48 crimes reported daily in the district — a figure that, while local to Arun, underscores a notable acceleration in reported incidents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 115 residents, a monthly exposure rate that contextualises the scale of incidents relative to the population of 170,064. This rate is higher than the previous month but remains consistent with seasonal patterns in a largely rural area with significant commuter and tourist activity. The increase in violent crime, particularly violence and sexual offences, contrasts with declines in anti-social behaviour, highlighting shifts in crime dynamics that may reflect changes in local activity or policing priorities. The daily crime count, while not directly comparable to UK-wide figures, offers a tangible measure of the pace at which incidents occur in Arun.