Littlehampton Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

November 2024 saw a dramatic 500% increase in drug-related offences in Littlehampton, a surge that defies seasonal expectations. This unexpected spike in drug crimes—jumping from 1 to 6 incidents—contrasts sharply with the usual patterns of the month, which typically feature lower crime rates due to reduced daylight and post-Black Friday retail activity. The overall crime rate for the area stood at 10.4 per 1,000 residents, placing it 36.8% above the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent category, accounting for 32.6% of all reported crimes (63 incidents), followed by anti-social behaviour (12.4%) and vehicle crime (11.9%). These figures align with Littlehampton's status as a built-up area within Arun, where high foot traffic in retail zones and the proximity to coastal roads may contribute to persistent vehicle-related crimes. The month also saw a notable 173% above UK average rate for vehicle crime, which could be linked to the area's commuter routes and the presence of parking facilities near major roads. Seasonal factors such as Bonfire Night and the extended darkness of November evenings may have influenced patterns, though the sharp rise in drug-related incidents remains unexplained by typical seasonal trends. The data suggests a combination of local demographics, economic factors, and the influence of transient populations during peak shopping periods, though further analysis would be required to confirm these connections.

The most striking change in November 2024 was the 500% increase in drug-related offences, rising from 1 to 6 incidents—a jump that far outpaces any other category. This surge occurred despite the month's usual trend of lower crime rates, which typically aligns with shorter daylight hours and post-Black Friday retail activity. Concurrently, shoplifting dropped by 56.7% (30 to 13 incidents), possibly reflecting reduced foot traffic in retail areas or heightened security measures. Vehicle crime also decreased by 25.8% (31 to 23 incidents), though Littlehampton's rate remains 173% above the UK average (0.4 per 1,000). The data also reveals stark disparities in UK comparisons: violence and sexual offences were 32% above the national average, while bicycle theft was an alarming 329% above the UK rate (0.1 per 1,000). For residents, the 500% rise in drug-related incidents is particularly concerning, as it suggests an urgent need for targeted interventions in areas where such crimes are concentrated. The sharp contrast between this increase and the decline in shoplifting highlights the unpredictable nature of crime patterns, which can be influenced by a combination of local enforcement efforts and broader societal factors.

Littlehampton's November 2024 crime rate of 10.4 per 1,000 residents marked a 10.6% decrease from the previous month's rate of 11.7 per 1,000, indicating a modest but measurable downward trend. Over the 30 days of November, the area recorded an average of 6 crimes per day, translating to a monthly exposure rate of 1 reported crime for every 96 residents. This figure provides context for residents: over the course of a month, the likelihood of experiencing a crime is approximately 1.04% (1 in 96). When compared to the UK average, Littlehampton's overall rate remains significantly higher, though the month-on-month decline suggests some progress in crime reduction efforts. The population-scaled perspective reveals that the 193 total crimes reported in November equate to a rate of 10.4 per 1,000, which is more than double the UK average. This disparity is most pronounced in categories like vehicle crime and bicycle theft, which are 173% and 329% above the UK average, respectively. These figures underscore the need for targeted strategies in areas with high vehicle density or cycling infrastructure. The comparison also highlights the importance of local context: while the UK average may provide a broad benchmark, Littlehampton's unique characteristics—such as its commuter routes and proximity to coastal roads—require tailored approaches to address specific crime drivers.