Littlehampton Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Littlehampton’s crime rate in January 2024 was 7.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 2.7% above the UK average of 7.4. This slight deviation from the national figure highlights localised factors influencing crime patterns in the built-up area of Arun. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 35.7% of all incidents—4% above the UK average. This suggests a persistent challenge in addressing violent crime, possibly linked to Littlehampton’s role as a commuter hub or its proximity to larger urban centres. Shoplifting emerged as the second most common category, with 18 incidents reported (75% above the UK average), likely tied to the area’s retail presence despite January’s typically low footfall. Public order offences also spiked, with 17 incidents (88% above the UK average), potentially reflecting the impact of shorter daylight hours and post-holiday social dynamics. The seasonal context of January—characterised by reduced retail activity and colder weather—may have contributed to the lower overall crime rate compared to the previous month, though the above-average rates in violence and property crimes indicate ongoing pressures. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions in retail security and community-based violence prevention, while also acknowledging the influence of seasonal factors on crime trends.

January 2024 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime categories, with other crime increasing by 200% (from 1 to 3 incidents) and drugs-related offences doubling (from 0 to 4). These sharp rises contrast with notable decreases in other theft (-62.5%, from 16 to 6) and criminal damage and arson (-35.3%, from 17 to 11). The dominance of violent crime—accounting for 35.7% of all incidents—was 4% above the UK average, underscoring a localised challenge in this category. Meanwhile, vehicle crime in Littlehampton was 20% below the UK average, potentially reflecting lower foot traffic in car-dominated areas during the post-holiday period. Residents may find the 75% increase in shoplifting particularly concerning, as it suggests vulnerabilities in retail security during January’s typically quieter shopping environment.

Littlehampton’s crime rate in January 2024 stood at 7.6 per 1,000 residents, an 8.5% decrease from the previous month’s 8.3 per 1,000. This downward trend suggests a possible seasonal shift, as January typically sees reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours, which may curtail opportunities for certain crimes. Daily crime figures for the month averaged approximately five reported incidents per day, highlighting the persistent presence of crime in the area despite the decline. On a population scale, over the course of January, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 132 residents, a metric that contextualises the monthly exposure for local residents. While this rate is slightly above the UK average, the reduction from December indicates a potential stabilisation in crime patterns, though further analysis will be needed to confirm long-term trends.