Littlehampton Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Littlehampton's crime profile in July 2023 reflected a stark divergence from the UK average, with an overall rate of 15.1 per 1,000 residents—81.9% higher than the national figure of 8.3. This marked increase underscores the area's unique challenges, particularly in the context of its status as a built-up area within Arun. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (27.6% of total incidents) and shoplifting (19.7%), both of which far exceeded UK averages. Violence and sexual offences alone were 51% above the national rate, while shoplifting surged to 4.2 per 1,000, a level 400% higher than the UK average. These figures suggest a concentration of criminal activity in spaces frequented by tourists and residents during peak summer months, when festivals and outdoor events draw larger crowds. The seasonal context of July—characterised by school holidays, tourism, and prolonged evenings—likely plays a role in the surge of property-related crimes, as retail areas and public spaces become more vulnerable to opportunistic offences. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour, though still above the UK average, saw a 27.5% decrease from the previous month, indicating some success in managing public order. However, the persistent gap between Littlehampton's crime profile and the UK's highlights the need for targeted interventions, particularly in addressing the sharp rise in shoplifting and violent crimes. The interplay of local geography, seasonal activity, and demographic factors will be critical in understanding the full picture of these trends.

July 2023 saw a 323% increase in shoplifting, rising from 13 to 55 incidents. This spike far outpaces the UK average for the same category, which is 0.6 per 1,000. Similarly, criminal damage and arson more than doubled, jumping from 9 to 27 cases. These increases align with the peak summer season, where festivals and outdoor events may contribute to heightened opportunities for such crimes. Conversely, anti-social behaviour decreased by 27.5%, falling from 51 to 37 incidents—a welcome reduction in public order disturbances. The town's violent crime rate also remained elevated, with 77 incidents (4.2 per 1,000), 51% above the UK average. Residents may find the 400% increase in shoplifting particularly concerning, as it reflects a major shift in criminal activity patterns. This contrast between rising property crimes and falling anti-social behaviour highlights the complexity of local security challenges.

Littlehampton's crime rate in July 2023 rose to 15.1 per 1,000 residents, a 50% increase from the previous month's rate of 10.0. This marks a sharp upward trend in the area's monthly crime statistics. On a daily basis, the town experienced an average of 9 crimes per day, translating to one reported crime for every 66 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure underscores the density of incidents relative to the local population. While the overall rate remains significantly higher than the UK average, the month-on-month increase suggests a growing challenge in maintaining public safety. The shift in crime patterns—from a more balanced mix of property and violent crimes in June to a dominance of violent and property-related offences in July—may be influenced by seasonal factors such as increased tourism and extended evening activity. These dynamics require careful monitoring to identify emerging trends and allocate resources effectively.