Littlehampton Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

The crime mix in Littlehampton during February 2026 reveals a distinct pattern shaped by the area’s character as a built-up town within Arun. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 36.9% of all reported crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (19.1%) and public order offences (8.9%). This emphasis on violent and disorderly crime contrasts with the UK average, where violence and sexual offences make up 34% of the national total. Littlehampton’s overall crime rate of 8.5 per 1,000 residents is 32.8% above the UK average of 6.4, highlighting a significant local deviation. Seasonal context may offer partial insight: February’s low outdoor activity and pre-spring lull could contribute to increased indoor disputes or alcohol-related incidents in social spaces. The high proportion of anti-social behaviour, 76% above the UK average, may reflect the area’s compact built-up nature, where noise and nuisance complaints are more concentrated. Public order offences, 95% above the UK average, align with the presence of high-traffic areas or nightlife hubs that see spikes in disorder during colder months. These trends suggest that local factors—such as the density of residential and commercial zones—play a role in shaping the crime mix, even as broader seasonal patterns influence the timing of certain offences.

February 2026 saw sharp increases in specific crime categories, with vehicle crime rising by 133.3% (from 3 to 7 incidents) and possession of weapons doubling (from 2 to 4). Public order offences also surged by 55.6%, reaching 14 cases, a marked jump from 9 in January. These spikes contrast with decreases in robbery (-80%), burglary (-66.7%), and other crime (-60%), suggesting shifting dynamics in criminal activity. The dominance of violent crime—violence and sexual offences at 3.1 per 1,000 (34% above the UK average)—and anti-social behaviour (1.6 per 1,000, 76% above UK) underscores a localised focus on interpersonal conflicts and disorder. Drug-related offences in Littlehampton were 13% below the UK average, a small but consistent deviation that may reflect the area’s lower prevalence of drug-related activity compared to national trends. For residents, the sharp rise in vehicle crime could signal a need for heightened awareness around car security, particularly in areas with increased foot traffic or parking congestion. The significant disparity in public order offences compared to the UK average also highlights a potential gap in local policing priorities or community engagement strategies.

Littlehampton’s crime rate in February 2026 rose 12.0% compared to January’s 7.6 per 1,000, indicating a growing trend in reported incidents. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 6 crimes per day over the 28-day period—a figure that, while modest, reflects a consistent presence of criminal activity. When scaled to the local population of 18,529, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for roughly every 118 residents. This ratio provides a tangible sense of the frequency with which residents might encounter crime, though it does not capture the intensity of individual incidents. The 32.8% gap between Littlehampton’s rate and the UK average suggests a need for targeted interventions, particularly in addressing the disproportionate rise in violent and disorderly crime. The contrast with the UK’s lower drug-related crime rates may also indicate differences in local policing effectiveness or community demographics. For context, the area’s built-up nature and proximity to larger urban centres could influence crime patterns, with Littlehampton acting as a conduit for activity that spills over from more densely populated regions. These comparisons underscore the importance of understanding both local and national trends when assessing the area’s security landscape.