Littlehampton Crime Rate January 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Littlehampton's crime rate in January 2026 stood at 7.6 per 1,000, placing it 11.8% above the UK average of 6.8. This figure, while not excessively high, reflects a distinct pattern in the area's crime profile. Violence and sexual offences dominated with 36.4% of all crimes, a category that itself exceeded the UK average by 12%. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 14.3%, a rate 18% above national norms, suggesting persistent challenges in community cohesion. The third most prevalent crime, shoplifting, accounted for 9.3% of incidents, 23% above the UK average, despite the post-holiday period typically associated with reduced retail footfall. This anomaly may indicate targeted theft in local businesses or a unique local context. Seasonal factors appear to have played a role, with shorter days and reduced outdoor activity likely contributing to lower levels of vehicle crime and public order offences compared to peak summer months. However, the sharp rise in criminal damage and arson—333.3% month-on-month—suggests a sudden spike in property-related incidents, possibly linked to environmental or economic pressures. The area's built-up nature within Arun, a district known for its coastal and rural contrasts, may exacerbate tensions between residential and commercial land uses. While the overall rate remains below levels seen in major urban centres, the above-average rates for violence and anti-social behaviour indicate a need for focused policing strategies. The seasonal context of January, with its post-holiday lull and colder temperatures, may have shifted crime patterns away from outdoor areas, concentrating incidents in indoor spaces or community hubs. These dynamics, combined with the area's population density, create a unique crime profile that diverges from both national averages and other built-up areas in the UK.

January 2026 saw a dramatic 333.3% increase in criminal damage and arson, rising from three to thirteen incidents. This surge may partly explain the overall elevation in crime compared to the UK average. Concurrently, possession of weapons doubled from one to two cases, a sharp rise that could signal emerging trends in local conflict dynamics. Vehicle crime fell by 62.5%, dropping from eight to three incidents, linked to reduced retail footfall post-holiday season. Public order offences also decreased by 35.7%, from fourteen to nine, aligning with the seasonal context of shorter days and lower outdoor activity. These fluctuations highlight the combination of environmental factors and crime patterns. For residents, the 23% above-UK-average rate for shoplifting, despite lower retail activity, may indicate targeted theft in local businesses, a concern requiring further attention.

Littlehampton's crime rate in January 2026 fell by 5.4% compared to December's 8.0 per 1,000, marking a slight decline after a period of elevated activity. This reduction, though modest, suggests potential stabilization in local crime dynamics. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately five crimes each day, a figure that, while manageable, underscores the ongoing need for community vigilance. When viewed through the lens of population, the monthly exposure of one crime per 132 residents illustrates the frequency of incidents within a relatively small community. This ratio, though not alarmingly high, highlights the concentrated impact of crime on individual households. The population context further reveals that Littlehampton's crime burden is higher than the UK average, with 11.8% of its rate exceeding national norms. This disparity may reflect unique local factors, such as the built-up area's density or specific community challenges, warranting targeted interventions.