Arun Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

November 2023 saw Arun's crime rate remain below the UK average, but with notable spikes in specific categories that residents should be mindful of. The overall rate of 6.1 crimes per 1,000 residents places the area 18.7% below the UK's 7.5, a consistent trend that reflects Arun's generally lower crime profile. However, the breakdown reveals a mixed picture: violence and sexual offences dominated, accounting for 39.9% of all incidents, while criminal damage and arson (12.3%) and anti-social behaviour (11.1%) formed the next most common categories. These figures align with the seasonal context of November, where darker evenings and the proximity to Bonfire Night may have contributed to increased incidents of public disorder. The sharp rise in vehicle crime—38.5% higher than October—could be linked to the Black Friday shopping rush, which often sees a surge in opportunistic theft and vehicle-related crimes. This increase, though not reflected in the UK average, highlights local vulnerabilities that may require targeted policing. Meanwhile, the significant drop in burglary (46.2%) may reflect seasonal patterns, with fewer opportunities for break-ins during colder months. The 36% gap between Arun's criminal damage rate and the UK average also raises questions about the area's infrastructure and the potential for arson in older buildings. These trends, combined with the relatively low rates of shoplifting and bicycle theft, suggest a combination of local factors that shape the area's crime profile.

Vehicle crime surged by 38.5% in November, jumping from 52 to 72 incidents. This spike may partly explain the 20% deficit in vehicle crime compared to the UK average, suggesting local factors such as increased traffic during Black Friday or seasonal changes in parking patterns. Meanwhile, possession of weapons rose by 33.3%, with 20 incidents reported—33% above the UK average of 15 per 1,000. This increase, though modest in absolute terms, warrants attention given the potential risks to public safety. Conversely, public order offences fell by 42.9%, dropping from 119 to 68, likely reflecting the impact of shorter evenings and the absence of major events compared to October. The 36% gap in criminal damage and arson compared to the UK average also stands out, with 128 incidents recorded—far exceeding the national rate of 0.6 per 1,000. Residents should be aware of this trend, particularly in areas with higher concentrations of older housing stock.

Arun's crime rate in November 2023 fell by 6.7% compared to the previous month, declining from 6.6 to 6.1 per 1,000 residents. This reduction aligns with broader seasonal trends, though the monthly exposure figure of 1 crime per 163 residents still reflects the persistent presence of crime in the area. Daily crime counts averaged 35 incidents per day, a figure that contextualises the scale of activity relative to the local population. While the overall rate remains 18.7% below the UK average, the distribution of crime types reveals nuanced differences. For instance, the 36% increase in criminal damage and arson compared to the UK average highlights a specific vulnerability in the area, potentially linked to the colder weather and increased indoor activities typical of November. Conversely, the sharp decline in burglary (46.2% drop) may reflect heightened security measures during the festive season or seasonal shifts in criminal opportunity.