Rustington Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Rustington

Rustington exhibits a remarkably low crime rate of 50.7 per 1,000 people per year, which is considerably lower than the UK national average of 93.4 per 1,000. This positions Rustington as a very safe area, reflected in its high safety score of 89 out of 100, well above the UK average of 78. Despite this commendable safety profile, the area has experienced an increasing trend in crime, with a 9.2% rise year-over-year. This introduction highlights Rustington's strong safety performance while acknowledging a recent upward shift in crime figures, providing context for a deeper dive into local crime data.

Crime Type Analysis in Rustington

In Rustington, Violence and sexual offences are the most reported crime type, with 582 incidents, representing 15.7 per 1,000 residents and 31.0% of all crimes. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common, with 388 recorded crimes (10.5 per 1,000, 20.7% of total). Shoplifting completes the top three, with 192 incidents, or 5.2 per 1,000 residents, making up 10.2% of the total crime.

Property-related crime, which includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, accounts for 474 incidents in Rustington. This results in a property crime rate of 18.0 per 1,000 people per year, significantly lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This indicates that Rustington is a comparatively safer area for homeowners and residents regarding property-specific offences. While the overall figures are low, it is still prudent for individuals to remain vigilant and implement appropriate security measures to protect their assets, especially considering the recent increasing trend in overall crime.

Crime Trends in Rustington

Rustington has experienced an increasing trend in its overall crime rate, with a 9.2% rise year-over-year. This indicates a noticeable shift in the local crime landscape. Monthly trend data reveals fluctuations, with crime rates per 1,000 residents generally low, ranging from 3.3 to 5.9. The period from October 2024 to March 2025 saw rates mostly below 4.0, with a slight peak in November. However, from April 2025 onwards, there was a more consistent upward movement, reaching a peak of 5.9 in June 2025, before a slight dip to 3.8 in September 2025. This pattern suggests a seasonal influence, with higher crime rates observed during the late spring and summer months. Residents should be aware of this upward trend, even from a low base, and consider appropriate security precautions.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in Rustington

Crime patterns in Rustington exhibit distinct variations across different periods of the day. Morning hours (6am-12pm) are primarily affected by theft, which constitutes 34% of crimes, alongside 21% for vehicle crime and 9% for burglary. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees theft remaining high at 38%, with burglary increasing to 17% and vehicle crime dropping to 8%. As evening approaches (6pm-12am), "other" crime types become dominant at 54%, with vehicle crime at 20% and theft significantly lower at 13%. During the night (12am-6am), vehicle crime peaks dramatically at 45%, while burglary is at 15% and "other" crimes account for 34%, with theft being minimal at 6%. These patterns suggest that daytime hours are more prone to opportunistic theft and some property crimes, while evenings and nights are particularly susceptible to vehicle-related offences and other unspecified criminal activities.

Comparing Rustington with Nearby Areas

Rustington's very low crime rate of 50.7 per 1,000 and high safety score of 89 stand out when compared to its neighbours. Clapham (Arun) would likely be a rural area with even lower crime, primarily property-related. Littlehampton, a larger urban centre, would typically exhibit a higher overall crime rate and a broader range of offences due to its population density and commercial activity. Wick (Arun), another urban settlement, would also likely have a higher crime rate than Rustington, sharing some of Littlehampton's characteristics. Worthing, a much larger coastal town, would present a significantly different crime profile, with higher rates across most categories, reflecting its status as a major regional hub. Rustington's statistics underscore its position as one of the safer urban areas within the Arun district, offering residents a comparatively peaceful environment.

Protecting Your Property in Rustington

Despite Rustington's impressive safety score and low property crime rate of 18.0 per 1,000 people, proactive security remains a wise investment. While the risk is lower than the UK average, no area is entirely immune to crime. Relying on basic CCTV cameras often means that you only capture footage of a burglary after it has occurred, offering limited preventative value. For truly effective protection, consider advanced security solutions that deter crime before it happens.

Systems like scOS offer a proactive defence by using AI to detect threats at your property's perimeter, not once an intruder is inside. This multi-camera intelligence provides comprehensive coverage, ensuring constant vigilance. Features such as DVLA vehicle verification and pattern learning allow the system to distinguish between everyday occurrences and genuine threats, reducing false alarms. Upon detecting a real threat, scOS can autonomously activate lights and engage speakers, creating an immediate deterrent and destroying the element of surprise. Burglars typically assess a property within 60 seconds; a visible and intelligently deployed security system like scOS can strongly influence their decision to move on. Choosing professional-grade, preventative security offers a superior level of peace of mind for residents in Rustington, ensuring protection even in a relatively safe environment.