Rural Arun Crime Rate

Rural Arun is a safe and scenic region in West Sussex, currently holding a high safety score of 83/100. The area's overall crime rate is 73.5 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the UK national average of 91.7. Recent data indicates an upward trend in activity, with a 10.3% increase year-over-year. As a diverse region encompassing several small villages and rural communities, Rural Arun maintains a secure environment compared to the larger urban centres in the district. While personal offences and anti-social behaviour are the most frequently reported, property-related crime—particularly theft and vehicle crime—remains a factor. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of statistics to help residents and visitors understand the safety landscape of Rural Arun.

In Rural Arun, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 35.1% of all reports. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent at 16.6%, followed by 'other theft' at 11.3%. Overall property crime—including burglary, theft, and vehicle-related offences—occurs at a rate of 26.6 per 1,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the UK national average of 32.3. Within this category, criminal damage and arson (9.9%) and vehicle crime (7.9%) are more frequent than residential burglary (2.0%). This indicates that while the area is generally safe, residents should be mindful of opportunistic theft and car security. Burglary rates are very low, but maintaining good home security remains important for rural properties.

Rural Arun has seen a 10.3% increase in crime over the past year. Monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates fluctuated between 4.4 and 7.8 per 1,000 residents. The highest activity was recorded in July (7.8), May (7.5), and February (7.4), which may correlate with seasonal factors and increased outdoor activity. The year ended with a decrease to 4.6 in November. This pattern suggests that while the overall trend is upward, crime in Rural Arun remains stable and relatively low. The modest increase does not significantly impact Rural Arun's standing as a safe and high-scoring region.

How To Keep Safe in Rural Arun

The most frequent crimes in Rural Arun are violence and sexual offences and anti-social behaviour. While the overall rate is lower than the national average, it is always recommended to stay aware of your surroundings, especially when walking in more isolated rural areas or after dark. Stick to well-lit paths where possible and consider using personal safety apps that allow you to share your location with trusted contacts.

Property crime is a significant factor, with theft and vehicle crime being the most common offences in this category. Always ensure your home is securely locked, including all windows, doors, and side gates. For those with outbuildings or barns, use high-quality padlocks and consider installing motion-activated lighting. Given that a high percentage of vehicle crimes occur at night, parking in a garage or a well-lit driveway is advised. Installing a proactive security system that detects and deters intruders at your property boundary can provide the best protection for your home and vehicles. Participation in local Neighbourhood Watch or Rural Watch schemes is also encouraged to stay informed about any suspicious activity in your specific area. Being vigilant and reporting any unusual activity helps maintain a safer community for everyone.

Crime timing in Rural Arun shows that theft-related offences are primarily a daytime issue, while anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime peak in the evening and night. Theft accounts for 51% of morning reports and 59% of afternoon incidents, correlating with daytime activity. In contrast, vehicle crime is most prevalent during the night (12am-6am), representing 50% of all reports in that window. Anti-social behaviour and 'other' crimes are highest in the evening (46%). Burglary is evenly distributed across the afternoon, evening, and night periods (all at 10%). These patterns suggest that while the region is safe, different risks emerge throughout the 24-hour cycle, requiring varied security focus, particularly for vehicles overnight.

Rural Arun (73.5) covers a vast area with varying crime profiles. In the local context, it maintains a high safety rating compared to the major urban hubs in West Sussex. While individual small villages within the region often report very low or zero crime, the overall rate reflects the combined activity of all rural settlements. This makes the area a secure choice for those seeking a quieter lifestyle while still being close to the amenities of the larger coastal towns where crime rates are typically higher.

Rural Arun has a property crime rate of 26.6 per 1,000 residents, which is below the national average. In rural and semi-rural settings, properties can often be more isolated, making them targets for opportunistic theft and vehicle crime. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or video doorbells, are reactive; they record a crime as it happens but often fail to prevent it. For residents in Rural Arun, scOS offers a more advanced, proactive solution. The AI-powered system monitors property boundaries in real-time to identify potential threats. It can verify vehicles and recognize daily routines, ensuring that alerts are only sent for real threats. If an intruder is detected, scOS can autonomously activate deterrents like lights and speakers to stop a burglary or vehicle theft before it begins. This preventative approach is particularly valuable for protecting larger rural properties and maintaining the area's high safety standards.