Littlehampton Crime Rate

Littlehampton has a safety score of 71/100, which is below the UK average of 79. The town's overall crime rate is 127.0 per 1,000 residents, significantly higher than the national average of 91.6. However, the recent crime trend is positive, showing a decreasing direction with a 6.1% drop year-over-year. As a busy coastal town and commercial centre, Littlehampton faces typical urban safety challenges, particularly in its central and seafront areas. While the crime rate is high, the downward trend is an encouraging sign for the community. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, time patterns, and safety suggestions to help you stay informed and secure in Littlehampton.

Crime Breakdown in Littlehampton

In the coastal town of Littlehampton, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crimes, accounting for 35.6% of all incidents (837 crimes). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 16.3% (383 incidents) and shoplifting at 12.7% (299 incidents). These figures reflect the challenges of a busy urban and seaside environment with a high volume of visitors and a significant evening economy.

Property crime is a major concern in Littlehampton, with a combined rate of 45.1 per 1,000 residents. This includes criminal damage and arson (168 incidents), vehicle crime (97 incidents), and burglary (69 incidents). The property crime rate here is significantly higher than the UK average of 32.2, suggesting that homes and businesses are at a higher risk of opportunistic theft and vandalism. For residents, this means that while the safety score is 71/100, the risk to physical property is a tangible factor that requires active management. Ensuring that properties are well-secured and vehicles are parked in safe, well-lit areas is essential in this urban environment to mitigate the higher-than-average rates of property-related offences.

Crime Trends in Littlehampton

The crime trend in Littlehampton is currently decreasing, with a 6.1% drop year-over-year. This is a positive sign for the town, indicating that safety measures and policing are having an impact. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows some fluctuations, with the year starting at 11.2 in January and dropping to 8.9 in February. There was a steady climb through the spring, reaching a peak of 13.7 per 1,000 residents in July.

This summer peak is typical for a coastal resort town. Following the July high, the crime rate generally trended downwards, ending the year at 8.0 in December. The overall 6.1% decrease suggests that while Littlehampton still faces challenges, the situation is improving. For residents, this means that while vigilance is still required, especially during the peak summer months, the overall safety of the town is moving in the right direction. Continued community engagement and proactive security will be key to maintaining this downward trend.

How To Keep Safe in Littlehampton

The most prevalent crime in Littlehampton is violence and sexual offences, which are often concentrated in the town centre and near the seafront, especially during the busy summer months and weekend nights. To stay safe, always be aware of your surroundings and try to stick to well-lit, busy areas. If you are out late, use reputable taxi services or travel with friends. Avoiding poorly lit areas and being mindful of your personal space in crowded places can significantly reduce your risk.

Anti-social behaviour is also common, particularly in public parks and near the beach. It is best to avoid engaging with confrontational groups and report any issues to the local police. Given the high rate of shoplifting, local business owners should consider high-visibility security and staff training. For residents, the higher-than-average rate of property crime, especially at night, means that double-checking locks and ensuring no valuables are left in cars is essential. Simple steps like installing a motion-activated porch light can also serve as a strong deterrent against opportunistic property crime in the town. Awareness and proactive measures are key to staying safe in this busy urban environment.

Crime Patterns in Littlehampton

Crime in Littlehampton follows a clear temporal cycle. The morning (6am-12pm) and afternoon (12pm-6pm) are dominated by theft-related offences, which account for 44% and 46% of all crimes during these periods respectively. This is largely driven by the town's active retail sector and high visitor numbers. Burglary also peaks in the afternoon (15%), suggesting that opportunists target homes when residents are likely to be out.

As the day turns to evening (6pm-12am), 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour and public order offences, become the most prominent, making up 55% of the total. Night-time (12am-6am) sees a significant shift in risk, with vehicle crime surging to 36% and burglary reaching its highest percentage of any period at 17%. This data indicates that while personal safety is a concern during the busy daytime and evening hours, property and vehicles are most at risk in the quiet early morning hours. Residents should ensure that home and vehicle security is at its most robust before retiring for the night.

In the regional context, Littlehampton's crime rate of 127.0 per 1,000 residents is among the highest in the area. It is significantly higher than nearby Wick (94.0), Yapton (111.5), and especially Rustington (50.1). However, it remains lower than Arundel (170.8). These differences are largely due to Littlehampton’s status as a major urban settlement and commercial hub, which naturally attracts more reported activity than its more residential neighbours. For those looking at the wider Arun area, Littlehampton offers the most amenities but also carries a higher risk profile. Residents should be aware that they live in a very active part of the region and take appropriate security precautions to protect themselves and their property.

In Littlehampton, the property crime rate of 45.1 per 1,000 residents is significantly higher than the national average, highlighting a clear need for robust home security. Traditional CCTV systems are often reactive, merely providing footage of a crime after it has already occurred. In an environment where criminal damage and theft are key concerns, proactive protection is far more effective.

The scOS AI-powered home security operating system is designed to stop crime at the property line. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your home's boundaries 24/7, identifying potential threats the moment they appear. It can distinguish between a neighbour and a suspicious stranger, ensuring you only receive alerts for real concerns. With autonomous responses like activating lights and sound, scOS deters intruders before they can cause damage or gain entry. For Littlehampton residents, scOS offers a professional-grade security solution that moves beyond simple recording to active prevention, providing peace of mind in an area with a high property crime rate.