Littlehampton Crime Rate June 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Littlehampton's crime rate in June 2023 reached 10.0 per 1,000 residents, placing it 17.6% above the UK average of 8.5. This disparity is most pronounced in the category of violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 36.6% of all reported crimes—27% above the national average. The built-up nature of Littlehampton, coupled with its coastal and rural proximity, likely contributes to this pattern, as the start of the summer season brings increased foot traffic and social activity. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, with 27.4% of all crimes falling into this category and 89% above the UK average. These figures may be consistent with the early stages of the tourism season, where transient populations and extended daylight hours could amplify public order challenges. While property crimes such as shoplifting and criminal damage were also elevated, the overall balance of crime remains skewed toward violent and disorderly incidents. This contrast with the UK profile, where property crimes typically dominate, suggests a unique local dynamic shaped by Littlehampton's character as a commuter town with a mix of residential and commercial zones. Seasonal factors, including the transition to summer and the associated changes in community activity, likely play a role in these trends, though the exact interplay between geography and crime patterns requires further analysis.

June 2023 saw a sharp increase in anti-social behaviour, rising 54.5% month-on-month to 51 incidents. This surge, combined with a 100% rise in both robbery and other crime, indicates a shift in the nature of incidents reported. Violence and sexual offences, already 27% above the UK average, accounted for 36.6% of all crimes, a stark contrast to the national figure of 27%. The category of possession of weapons stood out as 150% above the UK average, a figure that may reflect heightened police visibility or reporting trends. Meanwhile, vehicle crime fell by 63.6%, likely due to seasonal factors such as reduced vehicle movement during summer evenings. For residents, the 54.5% rise in anti-social behaviour is a concrete data point that could influence community safety initiatives or local event planning.

Littlehampton's crime rate in June 2023 rose by 5.1% compared to the previous month, climbing from 9.6 to 10.0 per 1,000 residents. This increase, while modest, aligns with the seasonal shift toward longer evenings and the early stages of the summer tourism season. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately six crimes per day, a figure that reflects the built-up nature of the area and its proximity to coastal and rural attractions. Over the course of June, one reported crime occurred for every 100 residents, a monthly exposure rate that underscores the need for ongoing community vigilance. When scaled to the population of 18,529, this rate highlights the relative concentration of incidents within a compact urban environment. The decline in vehicle crime by 63.6% and reductions in burglary and theft from the person suggest localized factors—such as improved street lighting or increased patrols—may have contributed to these decreases. However, the rise in anti-social behaviour and violence remains a focal point for local authorities.