Littlehampton Crime Rate October 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Littlehampton’s October 2024 crime rate of 11.7 per 1,000 residents translates to 216 total crimes for a population of 18,529—a figure that equates to one crime for every 86 residents over the course of the month. This rate, 44.4% above the UK average of 8.1, reflects a combination of local factors and seasonal dynamics. The most prevalent crime types were violence and sexual offences (78 incidents, 36.1% of total), vehicle crime (31, 14.4%), and shoplifting (30, 13.9%), with the former two categories significantly exceeding national averages. The seasonal context of October—shorter days, the clocks going back, and the approach of Halloween—may have contributed to increased street-level activity, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or nightlife. Violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 4.2 per 1,000 residents, were 57% above the UK average, a disparity that could be linked to the town’s proximity to larger urban centres or its role as a commuter hub. Meanwhile, vehicle crime, at 1.7 per 1,000, was 262% above the UK average, a figure that may reflect Littlehampton’s position as a gateway to coastal areas, where car-related thefts are more common. These trends, while concerning, are not isolated; they align with broader patterns seen in similar built-up areas, where property crimes often dominate due to the concentration of retail and transport infrastructure.

October 2024 saw a dramatic spike in vehicle crime, rising from 7 to 31 incidents—a 342.9% increase that dwarfs all other monthly changes. This surge, combined with an 11.1% rise in shoplifting, signals a shift in criminal activity patterns, possibly linked to seasonal factors such as darker evenings and Halloween-related disruptions. Meanwhile, possession of weapons doubled from 1 to 2 cases, a concerning uptick that may reflect increased illicit activity in the area. On the other hand, several categories saw notable declines: drugs-related crimes fell by 66.7%, and theft from the person dropped by 50%, suggesting some success in targeted interventions. The breakdown of crime types also reveals stark disparities compared to the UK average, with vehicle crime 262% above the national rate and shoplifting 122% higher—figures that highlight the area’s unique challenges. These trends offer critical insights for residents and local authorities, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies to address specific crime drivers.

Littlehampton’s crime rate in October 2024 stood at 11.7 per 1,000 residents, a 3.6% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 12.1. This slight decline suggests a potential stabilisation in local crime trends, though the overall rate remains significantly above the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 7 crimes per day—a figure that translates to one reported crime for roughly every 86 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure metric highlights the frequency of incidents in a community of 18,529 people, offering a tangible sense of how crime impacts daily life. While the rate has dipped slightly, the continued elevation compared to national standards underscores the need for ongoing attention to local policing strategies and community engagement initiatives. The population context further illustrates that even modest changes in crime rates can have measurable effects on residents’ perceptions of safety.