Littlehampton Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In Littlehampton, the per-capita risk of experiencing a crime in September 2024 was 12.1 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 57.1% above the UK average of 7.7. This rate translates to roughly one crime for every 83 residents over the course of the month, a figure that may feel more tangible for those living in the town’s built-up core. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (39.7% of total), anti-social behaviour (16.1%), and shoplifting (12.1%). These patterns align with the area’s characteristics as a coastal town with a mix of residential, commercial, and social spaces. The high rate of violent crimes could be linked to the influx of students and young professionals during the start of the academic year, a period when social interactions intensify. Similarly, shoplifting spikes may reflect the presence of retail outlets and the influence of seasonal factors like back-to-school shopping. Anti-social behaviour, which was 62% above the UK average, may also be tied to the town’s social fabric, where public spaces are frequently used for both leisure and commerce. The seasonal context of September—marked by the return of students and the shift from summer to autumn—likely plays a role in these trends, though the exact nature of this relationship requires further analysis. While the overall crime rate remains a concern, the breakdown shows that certain categories, like vehicle crime and burglary, are below the UK average, suggesting that not all aspects of the local crime picture are alarmingly disproportionate.

September 2024 saw a 300% increase in 'other crime' compared to August, with the category rising from one to four reported incidents. This jump, while statistically dramatic, may reflect underreported or newly emerging issues within the community. Meanwhile, vehicle crime fell by 46.2% (from 13 to 7), potentially linked to reduced summer-related activity or increased awareness among drivers. The town’s rate of violence and sexual offences (4.8 per 1,000) was 83% above the UK average, a stark contrast to the 121% above average rate for shoplifting (1.5 per 1,000). These figures suggest that Littlehampton faces unique pressures, tied to its role as a commuter hub or the influence of seasonal events like university freshers’ week. A resident might find the 100% increase in robbery (from 0 to 3) particularly concerning, though the small sample size means this change should be interpreted cautiously.

Littlehampton’s crime rate in September 2024 dropped by 8.2% compared to the previous month, falling from 13.2 to 12.1 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with the transition from summer to autumn, when local activity patterns shift. On a daily basis, the area saw approximately seven crimes reported each day, a figure that reflects the built-up nature of the town and its reliance on foot traffic in retail and social hubs. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 83 residents, a monthly aggregate that underscores the persistent presence of crime in a community of around 18,500 people. While this rate is higher than the UK average, the reduction from August suggests seasonal factors—such as the winding down of summer events and the return of students to academic routines—may have contributed to a temporary slowdown in certain crime types. However, the overall rate remains a concern for local authorities and residents alike.