Arun Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 170,064, Arun recorded 1,088 crimes in January 2026, translating to 6.4 crimes per 1,000 residents. This rate is 5.9% below the UK average of 6.8, reflecting a consistently lower crime profile than the national benchmark. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (366 cases), anti-social behaviour (176 cases), and shoplifting (131 cases), which together accounted for 69.8% of all incidents. The dominance of violent crime over property crime contrasts with the UK average, where property crimes typically make up a larger share. Seasonal factors likely influenced this pattern, as January’s post-holiday lull in retail activity may have reduced opportunities for shoplifting and theft from the person, though the latter saw an unexpected spike. The area’s mix of rural and urban landscapes could explain these trends: anti-social behaviour and violence may be more concentrated in urban centres, while shoplifting is driven by commercial hubs. However, the 40% above UK average for shoplifting suggests that local retail environments may require targeted interventions. Conversely, burglary and vehicle crime were significantly below the UK average, which may be attributed to the dispersed nature of residential areas and limited commuter traffic. These findings illustrate how local geography and community dynamics shape crime patterns, even within a broader national context.

January 2026 saw a dramatic 200% increase in theft from the person, rising from 1 to 3 incidents—a stark anomaly in an otherwise stable month. Bicycle theft also doubled, with 10 reported cases compared to 5 in December, possibly linked to seasonal changes in cycling activity. Meanwhile, drug-related crimes fell by 23.8%, from 42 to 32, which may reflect reduced social gatherings during the post-holiday period. The crime mix shifted slightly, with violent crimes (366) accounting for 33.6% of all incidents, a higher proportion than property crimes (38.7%). This imbalance contrasts with the UK average, where violent crimes make up 12% of the total. Shoplifting, at 131 cases, was 40% above the UK average, highlighting the influence of retail areas in Arun. Residents may find the 40% above UK average for shoplifting particularly relevant, as it could signal the need for enhanced security in high-traffic zones.

Arun's crime rate in January 2026 remained stable at 6.4 per 1,000 residents, matching the previous month's figure. This consistency suggests no significant short-term shifts in criminal activity. On a daily basis, 35 crimes were reported across the 31-day period, translating to roughly one crime for every 156 residents over the month. Considering Arun's population of 170,064, this rate places it among the lower end of UK crime statistics. The area’s mix of rural and urban landscapes likely contributes to the balance between property and violent crime. For instance, the lower-than-average burglary rate (29% below the UK average) may reflect the dispersed nature of residential areas, which can deter opportunistic break-ins. Conversely, the 40% above UK average for shoplifting could be linked to the presence of retail hubs in urban centres, where foot traffic remains steady even post-holiday. These patterns illustrate how geography and community structure interact with crime trends.