Littlehampton Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Littlehampton’s crime rate in August 2023 reached 13.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 67.9% above the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000. This marked a significant escalation from previous months, with violent crime and anti-social behaviour dominating the landscape. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 31.5% of all reported crimes, a rate of 4.3 per 1,000—63% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 2.5 per 1,000, 74% above the national benchmark. These figures suggest a shift in the area’s crime profile, with property crimes (93 incidents) and violent crimes (79 incidents) forming the twin pillars of the month’s total 251 reported crimes. August, as a peak holiday month, likely amplifies pressures on local policing and community safety, with increased tourism and the presence of empty homes potentially contributing to higher burglary risks. While shoplifting and public order offences also rose sharply, the most alarming trend was the 167% spike in shoplifting rates compared to the UK average, a reflection of the town’s retail presence and possible seasonal shopping patterns. The data underscores a combination of local demographics, tourism, and the timing of holidays, which may partly explain the elevated crime rates observed during this period.

August 2023 saw sharp increases in several crime categories, with possession of weapons rising by 100% (from 2 to 4 incidents) and robbery doubling from 0 to 3 cases. Vehicle crime also surged by 70%, jumping from 10 to 17 incidents—a troubling trend that may reflect the growing number of unsecured vehicles in the area during the busy summer months. These spikes contrast with declines in drug-related offences (down 75%) and criminal damage and arson (down 55.6%), though the latter’s reduction may be temporary given the seasonal context. The breakdown of crime types reveals that Littlehampton’s violent crime rate—4.3 per 1,000—is 63% above the UK average, a disparity that may be linked to the town’s proximity to larger urban centres and the transient nature of its summer population. Residents should be particularly vigilant in areas with high foot traffic, such as the town centre, where shoplifting rates were 167% above the national average. This suggests a need for enhanced security measures in retail zones, as the combination of holiday crowds and the town’s economic reliance on tourism creates an environment where opportunistic theft is more likely to occur.

Littlehampton’s crime rate in August 2023 (13.6 per 1,000) represented a 10.0% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 15.1 per 1,000, though it remains significantly higher than the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 8 crimes per day over the 31-day period, a figure that highlights the persistent pressure on local law enforcement. When scaled to the population of 18,529, this translates to one reported crime occurring for roughly every 74 residents over the course of the month—a stark reminder of the frequency with which residents encounter crime in their daily lives. While the decline from July suggests some stabilization in the short term, the overall rate remains a cause for concern, particularly when compared to national benchmarks. The UK average of 8.1 per 1,000 underscores the relative severity of Littlehampton’s situation, with violent crime and anti-social behaviour being the most glaring discrepancies. This comparison is particularly telling for residents who may not be aware of how Littlehampton’s rates stack up against the rest of the country, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas.