Littlehampton Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

In September 2023, Littlehampton recorded a crime rate of 12.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 55% above the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This figure, while alarming, offers insight into the lived experience of residents, who face a risk of encountering crime at a rate significantly higher than the national norm. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (31.9% of total), anti-social behaviour (20.1%), and shoplifting (15.3%), each of which reflects the area’s unique social and environmental context. The surge in violence and sexual offences may be partially explained by the return of students to local universities, a demographic known to contribute to increased social interactions and, consequently, higher rates of such crimes. Similarly, the 239% excess in shoplifting compared to the UK average could be attributed to the town’s retail presence and the seasonal timing of September, which marks the end of summer shopping and the beginning of new academic terms. Anti-social behaviour, which is 87% above the UK average, may be influenced by the area’s built-up nature, where high population density and shared public spaces can exacerbate incidents of disorder. These patterns are consistent with Littlehampton’s role as a commuter town with a mix of residential and commercial zones, where the interplay of local demographics and seasonal transitions shapes crime trends. The data also reveals a marked disparity in crime types: while property crimes (including shoplifting, burglary, and vehicle crime) account for a significant portion of incidents, the rate of violent crimes remains high. This imbalance may be linked to the area’s proximity to educational institutions, which attract transient populations and can create environments conducive to both property and personal crimes. The seasonal context of September—marked by the return to school and university, the diminishing daylight, and the shift in community rhythms—likely amplifies these trends, as younger populations adjust to new routines and social pressures.

September 2023 saw a 200% surge in drug-related crimes, rising from 1 to 3 incidents, a stark contrast to the previous month’s figures. This increase aligns with the seasonal influx of university students, who may contribute to heightened demand for illicit substances. Meanwhile, criminal damage and arson rose by 41.7%, potentially linked to the transition from summer to autumn, when weather shifts might encourage vandalism. Conversely, vehicle crime fell sharply by 64.7%, likely due to reduced traffic or altered commuter patterns as the academic year began. Anti-social behaviour, which constitutes 20.1% of all crimes, remains 87% above the UK average, highlighting a persistent challenge in managing public order. Residents may find the 239% excess in shoplifting compared to the UK average particularly concerning, as it suggests vulnerabilities in retail security during the post-summer period.

Littlehampton’s September 2023 crime rate of 12.4 per 1,000 residents marked an 8.8% decline from the previous month’s 13.6 per 1,000, reflecting a slight but notable shift in local crime dynamics. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 81 residents, a figure that translates to a monthly exposure rate of approximately 1.25% of the population. This rate, while higher than the UK average, underscores the significance of local factors in shaping crime patterns. Daily, Littlehampton recorded roughly 8 crimes, a figure that, while seemingly abstract, offers a tangible sense of the frequency of incidents. For residents, this means that in a typical day, the likelihood of encountering a crime is directly tied to the area’s unique characteristics, such as its proximity to educational institutions and the influx of students during the freshers’ period. The decline in vehicle crime by 64.7% compared to August may partly explain this shift, as reduced traffic or altered parking patterns could have influenced criminal activity.