Rural Arun Crime Rate July 2023 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile of Rural Arun in July 2023 reveals a distinct balance between property and violent crime, shaped by seasonal dynamics and local patterns. With an overall crime rate of 8.5 per 1,000 residents — 2.4% above the UK average — the area's crime mix highlights a pronounced focus on property-related offences. Property crimes accounted for nearly half (47 out of 96) of all reported incidents, with other theft emerging as the most common category at 25 cases (26.0% of total crimes). This is 233% above the UK average for the same category, suggesting a localised issue that may relate to the built-up area's infrastructure or seasonal activity. Violent crimes, while lower in absolute numbers (26 cases), represent a significant share of total incidents (27.1%) and are 17% below the UK average for violence and sexual offences. This contrast may reflect the area's character as a rural built-up zone, where community cohesion or spatial distribution of services could mitigate violent crime. Seasonal context further influences these patterns: July, a peak summer month with schools out and tourism at its height, likely contributes to increased foot traffic and opportunities for theft, particularly in areas with retail or event spaces. The breakdown also shows anti-social behaviour at 15 cases (15.6%), slightly below the UK average, which may align with the area's lower population density and reduced crowding compared to urban centres. While property crime dominates, the significant divergence from the UK average in specific categories underscores the need for targeted analysis of local conditions, such as the presence of high-value assets or transient populations that may drive theft rates.

July 2023 saw dramatic shifts in crime patterns within Rural Arun, with vehicle crime surging by 500% (from 1 to 6 cases) — a stark anomaly that may reflect increased summer vehicle usage or unsecured parking in event zones. Other theft also spiked sharply, rising 257.1% (from 7 to 25 cases), which is 233% above the UK average for this category. This suggests a possible link to seasonal tourism or temporary increases in unattended property. Conversely, drugs-related crime fell by 50% (from 2 to 1 case), aligning with the UK average of 0.2 per 1,000 and potentially indicating reduced illicit activity during peak summer months. The property-violent crime balance shifted with property crimes (47) outpacing violent crimes (26) by nearly 80%, a trend consistent with rural areas where property is often more exposed. Burglary, though down 10% (from 10 to 9 cases), remains 142% above the UK average, highlighting a persistent localised risk. For residents, the 233% gap in other theft rates compared to the UK average offers a clear indicator of where heightened vigilance or community measures may be most impactful.

Rural Arun's crime rate in July 2023 (8.5 per 1,000 residents) marks a 43.2% increase from the previous month's rate of 5.9 per 1,000, reflecting a significant upward trend. On a daily basis, this translates to roughly three crimes reported each day — a figure that, while modest, underscores the cumulative impact of multiple incidents over the month. Monthly exposure further contextualises this: over the course of July, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 118 residents, a statistic that may feel more tangible for locals when compared to the area's population of 11,324. This rate is higher than the previous month's equivalent, which would have been approximately one in 166 residents (5.9 per 1,000). The population-scaled perspective highlights the disproportionate rise in property-related offences, particularly other theft and burglary, which far exceed the UK average. While the overall rate remains close to the national figure (8.3 per 1,000), the stark divergence in specific categories suggests that local factors — such as the built-up area's infrastructure or seasonal activity — play a more pronounced role than broader national trends. This comparison also reveals that, despite the 43.2% monthly increase, the area's crime rate still sits within a range typical for rural built-up zones, where population density and economic activity intersect to create unique patterns distinct from both urban and purely rural regions.