Littlehampton Crime Rate January 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Littlehampton's crime rate in January 2025 stood at 11.2 per 1,000 residents, marking a stark departure from the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This 57.7% gap highlights the area's distinct position within national crime statistics, with violent crime and property offences dominating the landscape. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 38% of all reported crimes, a figure that is 71% higher than the UK average. This may be partly explained by Littlehampton's role as a commuter hub with a mix of residential and retail spaces, which could contribute to higher incidents of interpersonal conflict. Shoplifting, at 17.3% of all crimes, was 206% above the UK average, a disparity that likely reflects the presence of high-footfall areas such as the town centre. Anti-social behaviour, which rose to 11.1% of reported crimes, was 22% above the national average, suggesting persistent challenges in community cohesion. The seasonal context of January—a post-holiday period with shorter days and reduced retail activity—may have influenced these patterns, though the sharp rise in shoplifting contrasts with typical post-Christmas trends. The breakdown also shows a significant imbalance between property and violent crime, with property offences (including shoplifting, vehicle crime, and burglary) comprising 56.4% of all incidents, compared to 38% for violent crimes. This mix suggests a combination of local economic factors, policing strategies, and demographic characteristics. The area's position as a built-up part of Arun, with its proximity to coastal routes and commuter networks, may further explain the higher-than-average rates of vehicle crime and theft. While direct causal links, the patterns observed align with the characteristics of a small urban centre with limited resources for addressing emerging crime trends.

January 2025 saw a 125% month-on-month increase in shoplifting, with incidents rising from 16 to 36. This surge, which places the rate 206% above the UK average, may reflect post-holiday retail activity or changes in enforcement patterns. Meanwhile, vehicle crime fell by 50%, dropping from 28 to 14, a shift that contrasts with the overall upward trend in property-related offences. The most significant jump was in 'other crime', which tripled from 1 to 4, though this category remains under-defined in national statistics. Violent crime, at 4.3 per 1,000 residents, was 71% above the UK average, a disparity that may relate to Littlehampton's mix of residential and commercial areas. Public order offences also declined by 26.7%, from 15 to 11, though this decrease was modest compared to the sharp rises in other categories. Residents may find the 300% increase in bicycle theft, from 1 to 3, particularly concerning, as this rate is 300% above the UK average. These fluctuations suggest a combination of local factors and broader national trends.

Littlehampton's crime rate in January 2025 rose to 11.2 per 1,000 residents, a 21.7% increase from the previous month's 9.2 per 1,000. This places the area significantly above the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000, with the gap widening by 57.7% compared to national figures. Daily crime statistics reveal an average of 7 reported crimes per day in January, reflecting a persistent local challenge. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for roughly every 89 residents, a figure that underscores the frequency of incidents within a small population base of 18,529. When scaled to the area's demographics, this suggests that crime is not an isolated occurrence but a recurring issue affecting a notable portion of the community. The shift from December's seasonal lull to January's figures may indicate underlying trends, such as increased social tensions during colder months or changes in policing focus. The comparison to the UK average highlights a distinct local profile, with violent crime and property offences impacting Littlehampton relative to the national picture.