Rural Arun Crime Rate June 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Rural Arun’s crime rate in June 2024 stood at 5.7 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 30.5% below the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000. This performance contrasts sharply with national trends, reflecting a combination of local characteristics and seasonal dynamics. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (22 incidents, 34.4% of total), followed by other theft (9 incidents, 14.1%) and criminal damage and arson (8 incidents, 12.5%). These figures suggest a mixed picture: while violent crime remains a significant concern, property-related offences are lower than the UK average. The start of summer may have influenced patterns, as June marks the beginning of increased tourism in rural areas, which can drive certain crime types. However, the area’s overall safety remains a marked contrast to the national picture. Violence and sexual offences in Rural Arun are 31% below the UK average, a figure that may be linked to the built-up area’s relatively low population density and limited nightlife compared to urban centres. Conversely, vehicle crime and drug-related offences are above the UK average, though these remain small in absolute terms. The seasonal context of June—longer daylight hours and early tourism—may have contributed to a slight uptick in specific categories, but the overall crime rate remains firmly in line with rural safety profiles. This data underscores the importance of tailoring local crime prevention strategies to the unique mix of factors present in a built-up rural environment.

June 2024 saw significant fluctuations in specific crime types compared to May. Vehicle crime surged by 200%, rising from two to six incidents, a jump that may be tied to increased summer travel or changes in local parking patterns. Shoplifting also doubled, with two reported incidents compared to one in the prior month, reflecting seasonal retail activity. Meanwhile, public order offences fell by 75%, dropping from eight to two, which could indicate a reduction in summer-related disturbances or improved community engagement. Anti-social behaviour also decreased by 63.2%, from 19 to seven incidents, though this decline remains unexplained by available data. The breakdown of crime types reveals a stark divergence from UK averages: other theft is 38% above the national rate, while shoplifting and public order offences are 68% and 67% below, respectively. This mix suggests a combination of local factors and national trends, with certain categories—such as drug-related crime (43% above UK average)—highlighting areas requiring targeted attention. The rate of bicycle theft in Rural Arun is 122% above the UK average, a figure that may be linked to the area’s built-up nature and potential cycling infrastructure. These shifts provide valuable insights for residents and local authorities, illustrating the need for nuanced approaches to crime prevention that reflect both seasonal and demographic realities.

Compared to May 2024, Rural Arun’s crime rate fell by 13.5%, from 6.5 to 5.7 per 1,000 residents. This decline, though modest, suggests a continued trend of relative safety in the area. On a daily basis, the month saw an average of two crimes reported per day, a figure that, while low, underscores the persistent presence of criminal activity in a built-up rural setting. Over the course of June, one reported crime occurred for every 177 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is significantly lower than the UK average when scaled to population size. This statistic highlights the area’s comparative safety, particularly when contrasted with the national context where crime rates are consistently higher. The population of 11,324 residents further contextualises these figures, meaning that the likelihood of any individual experiencing crime remains low. However, the absolute numbers—such as the 64 total crimes reported—remind residents that crime is not entirely absent. The combination of a low overall rate and specific categories above the UK average (e.g. vehicle crime, drug-related offences) illustrates a community that is generally secure but with pockets of vulnerability. These findings are critical for local authorities, as they demonstrate the need to balance broader safety achievements with targeted interventions in areas where crime rates deviate from the national norm.