Arun Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Arun's crime rate in February 2024 stood at 6.0 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 15.5% below the UK average of 7.1. This figure marks a consistent trend in recent months, reflecting a broader pattern of lower-than-average crime levels. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 34.7% of all reported crimes. This category recorded a rate of 2.1 per 1,000 residents, 16% below the UK average, suggesting a relatively safer environment for residents compared to other parts of the country. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, contributing 13.2% of total crimes at a rate of 0.8 per 1,000, 24% below the UK average. These figures contrast with the 30% increase in criminal damage and arson compared to the UK average, highlighting a specific area of concern. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may partly explain the overall lower crime rates, as fewer people are present in public spaces. However, the significant rise in bicycle theft, which will be explored in the highlights section, suggests that certain crime patterns are evolving independently of broader seasonal trends.

The most striking development in February was a 160% increase in bicycle theft, with reported incidents rising from 5 to 13. This surge, while relatively small in absolute terms, represents a dramatic shift and may signal changing patterns in property crime. Concurrently, 'other crime' increased by 87.5%, reflecting a broad category that includes a range of minor but notable offences. Theft from the person also rose by 75%, though remaining at a very low rate of 0.0 per 1,000 residents. These increases contrast sharply with declines in other areas: possession of weapons fell by 46.2%, and drugs-related crimes dropped by 14.3%. The category of criminal damage and arson saw a modest 11% decrease, though it remains 30% above the UK average. For residents, the daily crime rate of 35 incidents provides a tangible context, illustrating that while the area is generally safer than the UK average, specific pockets of activity—such as bicycle theft—require attention. The balance between property and violent crime also shifted slightly, with property crimes accounting for 38.4% of all reported offences, compared to 34.7% for violent crimes.

Arun's crime rate in February 2024 rose by 6.9% compared to January, moving from 5.6 to 6.0 per 1,000 residents. This increase, though modest, suggests a slight uptick in criminal activity over the course of the month. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 35 crimes per day, a figure that, while low, underscores the ongoing presence of crime in the community. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 166 residents—a monthly exposure rate that highlights the relatively low frequency of incidents compared to the UK average. With a population of 170,064, Arun's crime statistics must be contextualised within the broader demographic and geographic profile of the area. As a largely rural district with some urban centres, the distribution of crime is likely influenced by factors such as population density, local amenities, and seasonal activity. While the overall rate remains below the UK average, the variations in specific crime types—particularly the surge in bicycle theft—indicate that certain vulnerabilities exist within the community. These figures, when compared to the UK context, provide a nuanced picture of Arun's crime profile, showing both strengths and areas requiring further attention.