Littlehampton Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Littlehampton's crime profile in April 2024, accounting for 36.2% of all reported incidents. With 80 cases recorded, this category stood at 4.3 per 1,000 residents—68% above the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. The area's overall crime rate of 11.9 per 1,000 residents placed it 54.5% above the UK's 7.7 per 1,000, a significant deviation from national trends. This pattern aligns with Littlehampton's status as a coastal town with a mix of residential and retail areas, where public spaces and high foot traffic may contribute to higher rates of violent and sexual offences. Shoplifting, the second most common category at 19.0% of total crimes, surged to 42 incidents, 243% above the UK average. This spike may reflect increased spring-time activity in local shops and markets, combined with the Easter holiday period, which often sees higher pedestrian traffic. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences also rose, with the former at 12.7% of total crimes and the latter at 10.0%. These trends suggest a need for community engagement initiatives in public spaces. While vehicle crime and burglary remained below UK averages, the overall pattern indicates that Littlehampton's crime profile is shaped by its coastal location and seasonal rhythms, with violence and property crimes forming the core of its monthly statistics.

April 2024 saw a sharp 147.1% increase in shoplifting, rising from 17 to 42 incidents. This surge places the category 243% above the UK average of 0.7 per 1,000, suggesting heightened retail activity or vulnerabilities in local businesses. Other theft also rose dramatically, with a 333.3% increase from 3 to 13 cases. This category's 25% above UK average indicates potential gaps in property security. Meanwhile, drug-related offences rose 50% to nine incidents, 150% above the UK rate, pointing to possible shifts in local drug markets. In contrast, theft from the person fell 33.3% to two incidents, remaining 47% below the UK average. This divergence highlights how different crime categories respond to seasonal factors, with public spaces and retail areas likely driving the sharp increases in shoplifting and theft. The 36.2% share of violence and sexual offences underscores the need for targeted interventions in high-risk areas.

Littlehampton's crime rate in April 2024 rose to 11.9 per 1,000 residents, a 13.4% increase from the previous month's 10.5. This brings the area's rate 54.5% above the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately seven crimes per day in April, reflecting a localised pattern distinct from national averages. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 84 residents, a figure that contextualises the frequency of incidents within the population. While the rate of vehicle crime (0.4 per 1,000) and burglary (0.3 per 1,000) remained below UK averages, the sharp rise in shoplifting and drug-related offences highlights specific vulnerabilities. These figures suggest that while some crime categories are stabilising, others demand targeted attention. The increase from March underscores the need for ongoing analysis of local factors influencing these trends, such as seasonal activity or community dynamics.