Littlehampton Crime Rate June 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Littlehampton's crime profile in June 2024 reveals a stark contrast to the UK average, with its overall rate of 12.7 per 1,000 residents placing it 54.9% above the national figure of 8.2. This divergence is most pronounced in the category of violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 38.7% of all reported crimes—78% above the UK average. The area's high proportion of violent crimes aligns with its status as a coastal town with a mix of residential and commercial zones, where summer tourism and longer daylight hours may contribute to increased social interactions and associated risks. While property crimes constituted only 27.2% of the total, the breakdown shows a marked imbalance: violent crimes far outpaced property offences, with 91 violent incidents compared to 64 property-related incidents. This suggests a shift in crime patterns, possibly influenced by seasonal factors such as the start of the summer tourist season, which could bring more foot traffic to public spaces and increase opportunities for confrontations. Anti-social behaviour (14.9% of all crimes) and shoplifting (13.6%) also featured prominently, both exceeding UK averages by significant margins. The latter's 174% deviation from the UK rate highlights potential vulnerabilities in retail environments, which may be exacerbated by the same summer tourism pressures. While direct causation, the seasonal context of June—coinciding with the beginning of the tourist season and longer evenings—likely plays a role in shaping these patterns. This contrast with the UK average underscores the need for targeted local strategies to address the unique dynamics of Littlehampton's built-up area.

June 2024 saw notable shifts in crime trends, with vehicle crime surging by 75% (from 4 to 7 incidents) and public order offences rising 61.1% (from 18 to 29). These increases may reflect the influx of summer tourists, who can contribute to congestion and disputes in public spaces. Shoplifting also rose by 33.3% (24 to 32), a figure that is 174% above the UK average of 0.6 per 1,000. This anomaly contrasts sharply with the decline in theft from the person, which fell 75% (from 4 to 1), potentially due to heightened police visibility or seasonal changes in victim demographics. The crime mix has shifted significantly, with violent crimes now constituting nearly 40% of all reports—substantially higher than the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000. This imbalance suggests a localised pressure point that differs from national trends. Meanwhile, vehicle crime's 11% deficit relative to the UK average (0.5 per 1,000) may indicate effective local measures or a lower density of parked vehicles in the area. For residents, the 174% disparity in shoplifting rates offers a concrete insight into retail vulnerabilities, which could inform targeted community engagement or surveillance strategies.

Littlehampton's crime rate in June 2024 rose 9.8% compared to the previous month, climbing from 11.6 to 12.7 per 1,000 residents. This upward trend translates to approximately 8 crimes reported daily in the built-up area, a figure that, while localised, provides context for residents assessing their risk. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 79 residents—a monthly exposure rate that, while not directly comparable to national figures, illustrates the proportion of the population affected. The population context is critical: with 18,529 residents, the 235 total crimes reported in June equate to a 1.27% incidence rate, highlighting the relatively high frequency of incidents in this area. This rate is higher than the UK average, which suggests that factors specific to Littlehampton—such as its coastal location and summer tourism—may amplify localised risks. While the daily crime count offers a snapshot of activity, the monthly exposure metric underscores the cumulative impact on the community. These statistics, when viewed through the lens of Littlehampton's demographics, reveal a pattern where the built-up area's characteristics—potentially including dense residential zones and commercial hubs—interact with seasonal pressures to create a distinct crime environment.