Littlehampton Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile in Littlehampton during May 2024 reveals a marked imbalance between property and violent crime, with the latter dominating the overall rate of 11.6 crimes per 1,000 residents — 38.1% above the UK average of 8.4. This disparity suggests a shift in criminal activity patterns, with violence and sexual offences (76 cases, 35.5% of total) comprising the largest single category, followed by anti-social behaviour (38 cases, 17.8%) and shoplifting (24 cases, 11.2%). The dominance of violent crime over property crime contrasts with national trends, where property crimes typically make up a larger share. Seasonal factors in May, including longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising, may partly explain this pattern, as alcohol-fuelled incidents and public order issues tend to rise during this time of year. The rate of shoplifting in Littlehampton was 103% above the UK average, a stark figure that could reflect the town's retail presence along its coastal main street. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour — which includes noise complaints and disturbances — was 45% above the UK average, linked to the area's mix of residential and commercial spaces. These findings highlight the need to consider local geography and social dynamics when interpreting crime statistics, as Littlehampton's position as a coastal commuter hub and tourist destination may influence both the types and locations of criminal activity.

Month-on-month analysis reveals stark fluctuations in specific crime categories, with possession of weapons surging by 500% (from 1 to 6 cases) — a jump that could indicate either increased policing focus or a genuine shift in criminal activity. Other crime also rose sharply, doubling from 1 to 3 cases, while robbery doubled from 0 to 2 cases, suggesting potential gaps in local crime prevention strategies. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 42.9% (from 42 to 24 cases), possibly due to increased police patrols or seasonal changes in retail footfall. Other theft and vehicle crime both decreased by 42.9%, though these drops may not be sustained without continued monitoring. The shift in crime mix is particularly striking: violent crimes accounted for 35.5% of total incidents, compared to 11.2% for property crimes, a stark departure from the UK average where property crimes typically dominate. This imbalance is reinforced by the fact that violence and sexual offences in Littlehampton were 44% above the UK average, while burglary and vehicle crime were both below national rates. For residents, the most immediate concern is the sharp rise in weapon possession, which may signal underlying tensions in certain neighbourhoods. The town's coastal location and commuter function could also explain the relatively low burglary rate, as transient populations may reduce opportunities for targeted theft.

Littlehampton's crime rate in May 2024 fell slightly from 11.9 per 1,000 residents in April, a 3.2% decrease that suggests some short-term stabilisation in local crime trends. However, the overall rate remains significantly higher than the UK average, with daily crime activity averaging roughly 7 incidents per day — a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 87 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate, while not alarmingly high, underscores the need for sustained community engagement and policing efforts. When compared to the UK average, Littlehampton's violent crime rate is particularly striking, with violence and sexual offences 44% above the national figure. This discrepancy may be attributed to the town's unique demographic mix, combining a working-age population with a significant number of elderly residents, which can create complex social dynamics. The population-scaled perspective also reveals that while overall crime has decreased slightly from the previous month, the proportion of violent crimes remains high. For example, the rate of anti-social behaviour (2.1 per 1,000) is 45% above the UK average, which could reflect the challenges of managing public spaces in a coastal town with both tourist and commuter traffic. These comparisons highlight the importance of tailored local strategies, as generic UK crime data may not fully capture the specific pressures faced by Littlehampton's built-up area within Arun.