Littlehampton Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Littlehampton

Littlehampton records an annual crime rate of 131.9 per 1,000 people, which is higher than the UK national average of 93.4 per 1,000. This places Littlehampton with a safety score of 70 out of 100, which is below the UK average of 78. The latest figures indicate a stable trend in crime, with a slight decrease of 1.4% year-over-year. This introduction provides a concise overview of the crime statistics in Littlehampton, highlighting its higher-than-average crime rate and stable trend, setting the stage for a more detailed analysis.

Crime Type Analysis in Littlehampton

In Littlehampton, Violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type, with 863 incidents, equating to 46.6 per 1,000 residents and 35.3% of all reported crimes. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common, with 379 recorded crimes (20.4 per 1,000, 15.5% of total). Shoplifting completes the top three, with 313 incidents, or 16.9 per 1,000 residents, making up 12.8% of the total crime.

Property-related crime, encompassing burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, totals 586 incidents in Littlehampton. This results in a property crime rate of 48.5 per 1,000 people per year, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This indicates a heightened vulnerability to crimes affecting homes and personal possessions in Littlehampton. Residents and businesses should be particularly vigilant and consider robust security measures to protect their assets, as property crime accounts for a substantial portion of overall incidents in the area.

Crime Trends in Littlehampton

Littlehampton has experienced a stable trend in its overall crime rate, with a slight decrease of 1.4% year-over-year. This indicates that while the crime rate remains high, it is not significantly worsening. Monthly trend data shows some fluctuations, with crime rates per 1,000 residents generally ranging from 8.9 to 13.7. The period from October 2024 to February 2025 saw rates mostly below 11.7, with a dip to 8.9 in February. However, there was an increase through spring and summer, reaching a peak of 13.7 in July 2025, before settling at 11.3 in September 2025. This pattern suggests a seasonal influence, with higher crime rates observed during the warmer months. While the overall trend is stable, residents should remain aware of these monthly variations and take appropriate precautions.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in Littlehampton

Crime patterns in Littlehampton display distinct variations throughout the day. Morning hours (6am-12pm) are primarily affected by theft, which constitutes 37% of crimes, alongside 19% for vehicle crime and 8% for burglary. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees theft remaining high at 42%, with burglary increasing to 15% and vehicle crime dropping to 7%. As evening approaches (6pm-12am), "other" crime types become dominant at 55%, with vehicle crime at 18% and theft significantly lower at 16%. During the night (12am-6am), vehicle crime peaks dramatically at 43%, while "other" crimes account for 35%, and burglary is at 14%, with theft being minimal at 7%. These patterns suggest that daytime hours are more prone to opportunistic theft and some property crimes, while evenings and nights are particularly susceptible to vehicle-related offences and other unspecified criminal activities.

Comparing Littlehampton with Nearby Areas

Littlehampton's crime rate of 131.9 per 1,000 and safety score of 70 indicate a more challenging safety profile compared to some of its neighbours. When contrasted with Wick (Arun), which is also an urban settlement, Littlehampton's figures might be higher due to its larger population and more extensive commercial areas. Rustington, a neighbouring BUA, has a significantly lower crime rate and higher safety score, highlighting a notable difference in local safety. Yapton, typically a smaller village, would likely exhibit a much lower crime rate, primarily focusing on isolated property crimes. Arundel, a historic town, might have a unique crime profile influenced by tourism, potentially showing higher rates of theft. These comparisons help to contextualise Littlehampton's urban challenges within the broader Arun district, suggesting a need for increased vigilance compared to its more tranquil neighbours.

Protecting Your Property in Littlehampton

With Littlehampton's property crime rate of 48.5 per 1,000 people, which is significantly above the UK average, residents should prioritise robust and proactive home security. Traditional CCTV systems often only provide footage after a burglary has occurred, acting as a record rather than a deterrent. To truly protect your home and possessions, a preventative approach is crucial.

Consider systems like scOS, which offers AI-powered protection designed to stop crime before it happens. Unlike reactive cameras, scOS detects threats at your property boundary, intervening before an intruder gains entry. Its multi-camera intelligence ensures comprehensive vigilance, while features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly flag suspicious vehicles. By learning your household routines, scOS intelligently differentiates between family, deliveries, and genuine threats, significantly reducing false alarms. Upon detecting a real threat, the system can autonomously activate lights and engage speakers, creating an immediate deterrent and destroying the element of surprise. Most burglars make a quick decision; a visible and intelligent security system like scOS can make your property a less attractive target, encouraging them to move on. Investing in professional-grade, proactive security offers a superior level of protection for your property in Littlehampton.