Littlehampton Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Littlehampton's December 2023 crime rate of 8.3 per 1,000 residents places the area 15.3% above the UK average, a figure that underscores the persistent challenges faced by this built-up coastal town within Arun. The most prevalent crime category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 38.6% of all incidents, a rate that is 22% above the national average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 16.3% of reported crimes, with a rate 51% higher than the UK average. These patterns align with the characteristics of a coastal town during the festive season, where increased social activity and darker evenings may contribute to higher levels of anti-social behaviour and violent incidents. The third most common crime type was criminal damage and arson, which accounted for 11.1% of all reported incidents and was 61% above the UK average. This spike may be linked to the seasonal context of December, with increased alcohol consumption and holiday-related disturbances exacerbating such incidents. Vehicle crime remained below the UK average by 33%, a trend that may reflect the lower population density of Littlehampton compared to larger urban centres. The data also reveals a significant discrepancy in possession of weapons, with Littlehampton's rate 233% above the UK average, a figure that warrants careful consideration given the area's proximity to major transport routes and the potential for illicit activity during the festive period. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions that address the specific risk factors present in coastal towns during the winter months, while also acknowledging the broader geographical and demographic context that shapes the area's crime profile.

December 2023 saw notable shifts in crime patterns across Littlehampton, with possession of weapons increasing by 100% compared to November. This jump from 2 to 4 incidents may partly explain the overall rise in violent crime, which remains 22% above the UK average. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 13.6%, a trend consistent with the festive season and increased social gatherings in the area. Conversely, bicycle theft fell sharply by 66.7%, reflecting a possible impact of holiday closures and reduced cycling activity. Vehicle crime decreased by 45.5%, likely linked to fewer commuters and reduced parking activity during the Christmas period. The most significant UK comparison anomaly was in possession of weapons, where Littlehampton's rate was 233% above the national average, a figure that stands out even against the backdrop of other elevated crime types. These fluctuations highlight the combination of seasonal factors and local demographics in shaping the area's crime profile.

Littlehampton's crime rate in December 2023 fell by 14.0% compared to the previous month, dropping from 9.6 to 8.3 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with the typical seasonal pattern observed in coastal towns during December, where reduced foot traffic and shorter daylight hours may limit opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 5 crimes per day, a figure that reflects both the local population density and the built-up nature of Littlehampton as a coastal town within Arun. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 121 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the average for similar-sized built-up areas in the UK. This figure provides a clear snapshot of the risk level for residents, though it should be contextualised against the broader picture of crime trends in the region. The population-scaled perspective highlights that while the absolute number of crimes remains relatively low, the rate is still 15.3% above the UK average, indicating a need for continued monitoring of local factors that may contribute to this disparity.