Arun Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

February 2026 marked a sharp and unexpected rise in public order offences in Arun, a trend that defied seasonal expectations for a winter month. The overall crime rate of 6.5 per 1,000 residents—1.6% above the UK average—was driven by a combination of factors, with violence and sexual offences (372 cases) and anti-social behaviour (200 cases) dominating the landscape. This spike in public order offences, which rose by 23.4% compared to January, contrasts with the usual pre-spring lull typically observed in February, a period when outdoor activity is low. While the UK average for violence and sexual offences stood at 2.3 per 1,000, Arun's rate of 2.2 per 1,000 was 5% below, suggesting local efforts may be mitigating some violent crime. However, the 32% gap in anti-social behaviour above the UK average highlights a persistent challenge, potentially linked to the area's mix of urban and rural environments, where community tensions or isolated incidents could contribute. Shoplifting (121 cases) and criminal damage (106 cases) also exceeded UK averages by 21% and 30%, respectively, indicating vulnerabilities in retail and property sectors. The seasonal context—a low point for outdoor activity—may have shifted focus to indoor spaces, contributing to anti-social behaviour and public order issues. This interplay of local and national trends underscores the complexity of Arun's crime picture, requiring targeted interventions to address the unexpected rise in public order offences.

February 2026 saw a notable 23.4% increase in public order offences, rising from 64 to 79 incidents—a sharp upward trend that outpaced other categories. Anti-social behaviour also climbed by 13.6%, with 200 reported cases, marking a significant departure from the previous month's 176. This surge in anti-social behaviour, which was 32% above the UK average, contrasts with the 43% drop in bicycle theft, which fell from 10 to 5 cases. The decrease in vehicle crime (43% below UK average) and theft from the person (100% below UK average) suggests potential success in targeted policing efforts. The 32% UK average gap for anti-social behaviour highlights a local challenge, possibly linked to community dynamics or seasonal factors such as the pre-spring lull. These fluctuations underscore the need for ongoing monitoring of specific crime types.

Arun's February 2026 crime rate of 6.5 per 1,000 residents remained stable compared to the previous month's 6.4 per 1,000, indicating no significant month-on-month shift. Over the course of the month, 1 crime occurred for roughly every 154 residents, a figure that contextualises the monthly exposure for local residents. Daily crime counts averaged 39 incidents per day, reflecting the pace of reported crime in the area. With a population of 170,064, the local rate aligns with broader patterns seen in similar-sized districts. increase above the UK average suggests local factors may influence crime dynamics. This comparison highlights the need to consider both national trends and Arun's specific characteristics, such as its mix of urban and rural areas, which may contribute to variations in crime types and frequencies.