Littlehampton Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In May 2023, Littlehampton's crime rate of 9.6 per 1,000 residents placed it 20% above the UK average, a figure that highlights the area's distinct challenges compared to national trends. The balance between violent and property crimes revealed a notable shift, with violence and sexual offences accounting for 36.2% of all incidents—significantly higher than property crimes at 30.5%. This imbalance may be influenced by the town's character as a coastal resort with a mix of urban and rural features, where late spring evenings and increasing outdoor socializing could contribute to heightened interpersonal conflicts. The data also shows anti-social behaviour at 18.6% of all crimes, a category that often reflects the dynamics of public spaces in towns with tourist attractions. Seasonal factors such as bank holidays and longer evenings in May likely played a role in the distribution of crimes, with public order offences (9.0%) and shoplifting (7.9%) aligning with patterns seen in areas with high foot traffic. While the overall rate remains above the UK average, the composition of crimes suggests that targeted interventions in public spaces and community engagement could help address the disproportionate rise in violent incidents. The absence of significant increases in vehicle crime or burglary compared to other months may indicate the effectiveness of recent local policing strategies, though the sharp 350% rise in burglaries in May remains a critical area for further analysis.

May 2023 saw a stark shift in crime patterns, with violent crimes accounting for 36.2% of all incidents compared to property crimes at 30.5%. This imbalance, particularly in violence and sexual offences (64 cases), marks a departure from typical trends in the area. Burglary rates surged by 350% month-on-month, rising from two to nine incidents, a jump that may reflect seasonal factors such as warmer evenings and increased outdoor activity. Conversely, criminal damage and arson fell by 63.3%, likely linked to the end of the Easter holiday period and reduced public gatherings. The town's violent crime rate was 26% above the UK average, a figure that underscores the need for community-focused interventions. Residents may find the 350% increase in burglaries particularly concerning, highlighting the importance of home security measures during this time of year.

Littlehampton's crime rate in May 2023 stood at 9.6 per 1,000 residents, a 12.9% decrease from the previous month's rate of 11.0. This decline suggests a potential stabilization in local crime patterns after a period of fluctuation. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately six crimes per day, reflecting a consistent rhythm of reported incidents that aligns with the town's seasonal dynamics. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 105 residents, a figure that contextualizes the monthly exposure for residents. This rate, while higher than the UK average, shows a marked reduction from April, potentially indicating the impact of targeted policing efforts or seasonal factors such as the transition from spring to summer. The population context reveals that, despite the higher-than-average rate, the absolute number of crimes remains proportionate to the town's size, offering a nuanced perspective on local safety.