Littlehampton Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

December 2025 marked a mixed picture for Littlehampton's crime profile, with the overall rate at 8.0 per 1,000 residents—14.3% above the UK average of 7.0. The top three crime types were violence and sexual offences (33.8% of total), shoplifting (12.8%), and anti-social behaviour (12.8%), reflecting patterns consistent with a built-up area during the holiday season. Violence and sexual offences remained 5% above the UK average, while shoplifting rates were 75% higher, likely driven by increased retail activity and the festive shopping period. Public order offences also surged 82% above the UK average, possibly linked to the combination of dark evenings, increased socialising, and the presence of seasonal events. The seasonal context of December—characterised by Christmas shopping, party season, and extended periods of darkness—may have contributed to these trends, though the exact causal links remain speculative. Burglary rates were 29% below the UK average, suggesting that the holiday season's impact on residential security may have been mitigated by factors such as increased home occupancy or enhanced local policing efforts. The area's crime profile highlights the need to balance seasonal dynamics with ongoing community safety measures, particularly in managing retail-related crimes and public order issues.

December 2025 saw a 200% surge in bicycle theft, rising from 1 to 3 incidents. This sharp increase likely reflects holiday shopping activity and the movement of goods during the festive season. Other crime also rose sharply, with a 150% increase from 2 to 5 incidents, suggesting a broader uptick in non-specific criminal activity. Drug-related offences doubled, indicating possible shifts in local patterns during the holiday period. Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 75%, and criminal damage and arson dropped by two-thirds, potentially linked to fewer people being at home over the holidays. The area's violence and sexual offences rate remains 5% above the UK average, while shoplifting and public order offences are significantly elevated. These trends underscore the combination of seasonal factors and local dynamics in shaping crime patterns. Residents may find the 1-in-125 monthly exposure rate particularly relevant for understanding their personal risk context.

Littlehampton's crime rate in December 2025 fell by 8.1% compared to the previous month, dropping from 8.7 to 8.0 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns, as the Christmas shopping peak and holiday-related activity may have shifted focus from certain crime types. Daily crime figures show an average of 5 crimes reported each day, a figure that reflects the area's built-up nature and local rhythms. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 125 residents, a monthly exposure rate that contextualises the frequency of incidents within the community. This statistic is particularly useful for residents seeking to understand their personal risk profile, as it translates abstract numbers into relatable terms. The population-scaled perspective highlights that while the rate remains above the UK average, the absolute number of crimes is manageable within Littlehampton's size. The decrease in burglary and criminal damage may also reflect fewer people being at home during the holiday season.