Littlehampton Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 18,529, Littlehampton reported 220 crimes in October 2023, translating to a crime rate of 11.9 per 1,000 residents. This figure is 48.8% above the UK average of 8.0, a disparity that raises questions about the area’s unique characteristics. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (23.6% of total incidents), anti-social behaviour (18.6%), and shoplifting (14.1%). These trends align with Littlehampton’s role as a coastal town with a mix of residential and commercial zones, where anti-social behaviour may be exacerbated by the proximity to tourist areas and the impact of seasonal events like Halloween. The high rate of shoplifting—193% above the UK average—suggests that local retail outlets, particularly those along the seafront, may be frequent targets. Meanwhile, the 48.8% gap in overall crime rate compared to the UK could reflect the area’s built-up nature, with limited open spaces increasing opportunities for certain crimes. October’s darker evenings and the start of the festive season may have also contributed to the persistence of violent and anti-social incidents. drop in violence and sexual offences compared to September hints at possible seasonal fluctuations. The data underscores the need for targeted strategies to address the specific challenges faced by this coastal built-up area.

October saw a stark 400% increase in 'other crime' incidents, rising from one to five, while drug-related offences surged by 166.7%, jumping from three to eight. These spikes contrast with a 28.8% drop in violence and sexual offences, which fell from 73 to 52. The area’s anti-social behaviour rate of 2.2 per 1,000 residents—72% above the UK average—suggests a pressing need for community-focused interventions. Shoplifting, at 1.7 per 1,000, is 193% above the UK average, likely tied to Littlehampton’s retail presence. Meanwhile, burglary and theft from the person both showed declines, with burglary falling 45.5% and theft from the person dropping 33% below the UK average. These shifts highlight the volatility of crime patterns, with some categories surging while others ease. Residents may find the 400% rise in 'other crime' particularly alarming, as it encompasses a broad range of unclassified incidents.

Littlehampton’s crime rate in October 2023 fell slightly to 11.9 per 1,000 residents, a 4.0% decrease from the previous month’s 12.4. While this marks a marginal improvement, the rate remains higher than the UK average. On a daily basis, the area saw an average of seven crimes reported each day, a figure that, while localised, reflects the persistent nature of crime in the built-up area. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 84 residents, illustrating the frequency of incidents within a relatively small population. This monthly exposure rate, when considered alongside the area’s population of 18,529, underscores the impact of crime on individual residents. The slight decline may be linked to seasonal factors, such as the transition to darker evenings, which could influence both perpetrator and victim behaviour. However, the overall rate remains a concern, particularly given the stark disparities in specific crime types compared to national averages.