Rustington Crime Rate August 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Rustington’s crime rate in August 2023 stood at 4.5 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 44.4% below the UK average of 8.1. This consistent safety record reflects the area’s character as a semi-rural built-up district within Arun, where community cohesion and limited urban density may contribute to lower crime levels. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 27.1% of all reported incidents—55% below the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 21.7%, also significantly lower than the national rate. Shoplifting (10.8%) and criminal damage (10.2%) formed the next most common categories, both below UK averages. Seasonal factors in August, such as the peak of the holiday season and increased tourism, typically raise burglary risks due to empty homes. However, burglary in Rustington remained 12% below the UK average, suggesting local measures or community vigilance may mitigate such risks. The area’s low crime profile aligns with its demographic profile, which likely includes a mix of residential and retail spaces without the high-density commercial hubs that drive shoplifting in larger urban centres. This stability contrasts with national trends, where property crimes often dominate, highlighting Rustington’s unique crime picture shaped by its geography and community dynamics.

August 2023 saw notable shifts in Rustington’s crime profile, with anti-social behaviour surging by 89.5% (19 to 36 incidents) compared to July. This increase, while significant, remains 31% below the UK average for the category, indicating the area still outperforms national trends. Robbery and theft from the person both doubled from zero to one and two incidents respectively, marking the most dramatic monthly-on-month jumps. These isolated cases may reflect transient factors such as increased foot traffic during holidays or specific events. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 60% (from five to two incidents), possibly linked to seasonal variations in cycling activity or improved security measures. The property-to-violent crime balance shifted slightly, with violent crimes (45 incidents) accounting for 27.1% of total reports, compared to property crimes (65 incidents at 39.2%). This suggests a continued focus on violent crime prevention, though it remains below the UK average for this category. Possession of weapons rose 43% above the UK average (0.1 vs 0.1 per 1,000). Residents may find the 36 anti-social behaviour incidents particularly relevant, as this category often involves localised disturbances that could impact quality of life.

Rustington’s crime rate in August 2023 remained stable compared to July, with no change in the 4.5 per 1,000 figure. This consistency is notable given the typical seasonal fluctuations seen in other areas during peak holiday months. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately five crimes per day, a figure that, while low, underscores the persistent nature of local crime patterns. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for every 223 residents, a monthly aggregate that highlights the rarity of incidents in this built-up area. With a population of 37,057, this equates to a very low probability of experiencing crime personally, particularly when compared to the UK average. The stability in the overall rate contrasts with the sharp rise in anti-social behaviour, which suggests that while the broader crime picture remains steady, specific categories may be influenced by temporary factors. The 4.5 per 1,000 rate also places Rustington in the lower quartile of UK crime statistics, reinforcing its reputation as a relatively safe area despite the monthly spikes in certain categories. This population-scaled perspective provides context for residents, showing that even with increases in specific crime types, the overall risk remains significantly lower than national benchmarks.