Rustington Crime Rate

Rustington is an exceptionally safe settlement, boasting a safety score of 89/100, which is significantly higher than the UK average of 79. The overall crime rate is remarkably low at 50.1 per 1,000 residents, far below the national average of 91.6. While the crime trend is currently increasing slightly, with a 5.5% rise year-over-year, the area remains one of the most secure locations in the Arun district. Rustington’s peaceful residential character is reflected in these figures, making it a highly desirable place to live. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, time patterns, and safety advice to help you understand the current safety landscape in Rustington.

Crime Breakdown in Rustington

In the quiet coastal settlement of Rustington, violence and sexual offences are the most frequent crime type, making up 30.7% of all incidents (569 crimes). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 21.1% (391 incidents) and shoplifting at 11.5% (214 incidents). Despite being the top crimes, the actual volumes are much lower than in neighbouring urban areas, reflecting Rustington's reputation as a peaceful residential location.

Property crime in Rustington is significantly lower than the national average, with a combined rate of 17.8 per 1,000 people, compared to the UK average of 32.2. This includes criminal damage and arson (154 incidents), vehicle crime (102 incidents), and burglary (54 incidents). For residents, this means that while the overall safety score is a very high 89/100, property-related offences still occur. The low burglary rate of 1.5 per 1,000 suggests that break-ins are rare, but the presence of vehicle crime and criminal damage indicates that opportunistic offences remain a factor. Residents can maintain this safe environment by continuing to prioritise basic security and remaining vigilant against the small but present risk of property theft.

Crime Trends in Rustington

The crime trend in Rustington is currently increasing, with a 5.5% rise year-over-year. While any increase is noteworthy, it is important to view this in the context of Rustington’s very low overall crime rate of 50.1 per 1,000 residents. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows that the year began with very low rates in January (3.3) and February (3.6). There was a gradual climb through the spring, reaching a peak in June at 5.9 per 1,000 residents.

This summer peak is a common trend in coastal areas, even in quiet settlements like Rustington. Following the June high, the rates fluctuated but generally trended downwards, ending the year at 3.2 in December. The 5.5% overall increase suggests a slight rise in reported incidents, but the data does not indicate a significant decline in the area's safety. For residents, this stable but slightly upward trend highlights the importance of remaining proactive about security, particularly during the peak summer months when the area sees more activity.

How To Keep Safe in Rustington

The most common crime in Rustington is violence and sexual offences, though it is important to note that the actual number of incidents is low compared to national averages. To stay safe, continue to follow standard personal safety practices, such as being aware of your surroundings when walking alone at night and sticking to well-lit routes. The community-focused nature of Rustington means that looking out for your neighbours and being part of local safety groups can be very effective.

Anti-social behaviour is the second most prevalent issue. If you notice any persistent problems in local parks or residential streets, reporting them to the local authorities helps maintain the area's peaceful character. For property owners, while burglary is rare, the rate of vehicle crime at night suggests that ensuring your car is locked and parked in a well-lit area is a sensible precaution. Shoplifting is also a factor in the local retail areas; business owners can help deter this by maintaining good visibility and using modern security measures. Overall, staying safe in Rustington is about maintaining the high standards of community awareness that already exist.

Crime Patterns in Rustington

Crime in Rustington follows a predictable temporal pattern. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) is the most active period for theft-related offences, which account for 37% of all crimes during these hours. This is largely due to activity in the town's shopping areas. Burglary also sees a peak in the afternoon (16%), suggesting that opportunists target homes when residents are likely to be out.

As the day transitions into the evening (6pm-12am), 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, become the most prominent, making up 57% of the total. Night-time (12am-6am) presents a specific risk for vehicle owners, with vehicle crime surging to 42% of all incidents during these hours. This data suggests that while Rustington is generally very safe, property and vehicles are most vulnerable in the quiet early morning hours. Residents are advised to ensure that all home and vehicle security measures are fully engaged before the evening. Understanding these patterns allows for targeted safety measures, such as enhanced vehicle security overnight and being mindful of home security during the day.

In the local context, Rustington is one of the safest urban settlements in the region. Its crime rate of 50.1 per 1,000 residents is significantly lower than nearby Littlehampton (127.0), Wick (94.0), and Worthing (92.9). Only the very rural area of Clapham (0.0) shows a lower rate. This makes Rustington a standout choice for those seeking a secure environment without moving to a completely isolated rural location. The town offers the benefits of local amenities and a community feel, while maintaining a safety profile that is far superior to its larger neighbours. For anyone comparing safety across the Arun district, Rustington consistently ranks as a high-performing and secure area.

While Rustington is a very safe area, the property crime rate of 17.8 per 1,000 residents indicates that homeowners should still be mindful of security. Traditional CCTV systems are often reactive, providing footage only after a crime has occurred. In a community that values its peace and security, proactive protection is a much more effective way to maintain the area's high safety standards.

The scOS AI-powered home security operating system is designed to stop threats before they reach your door. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property's boundaries 24/7, identifying potential intruders the moment they appear. It can distinguish between a delivery driver and a suspicious stranger, ensuring you only receive alerts for genuine concerns. With autonomous responses like activating lights and sound, scOS deters intruders before they can commit a crime. For Rustington residents, scOS provides a professional-grade security solution that moves beyond simple recording to active prevention, ensuring your home remains a safe haven in this already secure community.