Rustington Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For every 1,000 residents in Rustington, 4.6 crimes were reported in May 2023, a rate that is 42.5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This translates to a daily risk of encountering crime that is both low and consistent with the area's character as a relatively tranquil built-up area within Arun. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (29.1% of total incidents), criminal damage and arson (15.1%), and anti-social behaviour (14.0%), reflecting patterns typical of small communities where interpersonal disputes and property-related issues dominate. Seasonal factors in May—such as longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising—likely contributed to the prominence of public order offences and anti-social behaviour, though these remain significantly below UK averages. The area's crime profile also shows a marked contrast with national trends, particularly in categories like burglary (35% below UK average) and vehicle crime (78% below), suggesting that Rustington's rural context and lower population density may limit opportunities for certain types of crime. While the overall rate remains stable compared to previous months, the seasonal context of May—marked by bank holidays and extended daylight hours—may have influenced the mix of crimes reported, with public order issues and anti-social behaviour emerging as notable concerns.

May 2023 saw significant fluctuations in crime patterns across Rustington. Drug-related offences surged by 350%, rising from 2 to 9 incidents, a sharp increase that may reflect changing local dynamics or seasonal factors. Burglary also rose by 250%, with seven reported cases compared to two in April, though this remains well below the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000. Public order offences increased by 87.5%, from 8 to 15, possibly linked to the extended evenings and outdoor socialising typical of May. Conversely, bicycle theft dropped by 75%, from four to one, a decline that may align with reduced cycling activity as temperatures rise. Violence and sexual offences decreased by 24.2%, from 66 to 50, a reduction that contrasts with the UK average of 2.8 per 1,000, where Rustington's rate of 1.4 per 1,000 remains 50% below. These shifts underscore the complexity of local crime trends, with some categories rising sharply while others show marked declines.

Rustington's crime rate in May 2023 rose by 14.0% compared to the previous month, reflecting a shift from 4.1 to 4.6 crimes per 1,000 residents. This increase, while notable, remains significantly below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. Locally, the daily crime count averaged six incidents per day over the 31-day period, a figure that translates to a tangible presence in the community. On a monthly scale, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 215 residents, a ratio that contextualises the risk in everyday terms. When compared to the UK's broader statistics, Rustington's performance in categories like violence and sexual offences (50% below the UK average) and anti-social behaviour (47% below) highlights the area's relative safety, though spikes in public order offences (39% below UK average) suggest occasional tensions. The population context further underscores that, despite the 14% rise, the area's overall crime environment remains markedly safer than the national benchmark.