Littlehampton Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominate Littlehampton’s crime picture in April 2023, accounting for 35.5% of all reported crimes. With a crime rate of 11.0 per 1,000 residents, the area’s rate is 46.7% above the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, highlighting a significant divergence from national trends. This spike in violent crime contrasts with lower-than-average rates for property crimes like vehicle crime and burglary, which may reflect the area’s character as a coastal town with limited industrial activity. The breakdown shows 72 incidents of violence and sexual offences, 30 cases of criminal damage and arson, and 28 public order offences, the latter of which is 134% above the UK average. Seasonal factors in April—Easter holidays, spring weather, and increased outdoor activity—likely contribute to the rise in public order incidents, which may partly explain the 115.4% month-on-month increase in this category. While violence remains the dominant concern, the area’s overall crime profile suggests a combination of local demographics and seasonal rhythms. The high rate of anti-social behaviour (19% above the UK average) and shoplifting (88% above the UK average) further underscores the need for targeted interventions in public spaces and retail areas. These patterns align with typical coastal town dynamics, where transient populations and tourism-related activity may amplify certain crime types.

April 2023 saw an 115.4% increase in public order offences, rising from 13 to 28 incidents—a sharp contrast to the previous month’s figures. This surge, combined with a 100% rise in bicycle theft and robbery, points to a notable shift in the crime mix, with non-violent but disruptive offences becoming more prominent. While violent crime remains the largest category, property crimes like vehicle crime and burglary are below UK averages, with vehicle crime at 56% below the national rate. This divergence may reflect the area’s lower density of car parks and commuter traffic compared to urban centres. The 88% increase in shoplifting compared to the UK average highlights the impact of retail activity during Easter, with 16 incidents reported—a figure that would be of particular interest to local business owners. Meanwhile, the 163% rise in drug-related offences compared to the UK average raises questions about local enforcement patterns or shifting drug markets. These findings suggest that while violent crime remains a priority, the rising tide of public order and anti-social behaviour may require renewed focus from local authorities.

Littlehampton’s crime rate in April 2023 rose 13.5% compared to March’s 9.7 per 1,000 residents, translating to roughly 7 crimes per day over the month. This pace means one reported crime occurred for every 91 residents—a figure that, while higher than the UK average, contextualises the scale of local impact. The daily crime count of 7 incidents per day provides a tangible snapshot for residents, illustrating the frequency of encounters with crime in everyday life. When viewed through the lens of population size (18,529 residents), the 11.0 per 1,000 rate means that over 200 crimes were reported across the area in a single month. This density of incidents contrasts with the UK average, where the same number of residents would experience fewer than 140 crimes. The comparison reveals that Littlehampton’s crime profile is more intense than the national average, particularly in categories like public order and violence. While vehicle crime and burglary are lower than UK rates, these categories account for a smaller share of the total crime mix, reinforcing the dominance of violent and anti-social behaviour. The monthly exposure metric—1 in 91 residents affected—serves as a reminder of the persistent challenge faced by local law enforcement and community stakeholders in addressing this elevated rate.