Rustington Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Rustington's crime profile in October 2023 reveals a distinct balance between violent and property-related offences, with violence and sexual offences dominating at 35.2% of all reported crimes. This contrasts sharply with national trends, as the area's overall crime rate of 3.8 per 1,000 residents is 52.5% below the UK average. The prevalence of violent crime, despite being lower than the national rate, suggests a local dynamic where interpersonal disputes or other factors may contribute to this category's prominence. Anti-social behaviour, at 17.6% of total incidents, aligns with the area's character as a built-up district within Arun, where community interactions may be more frequent. Seasonal factors in October—such as darker evenings and Halloween—may partly explain fluctuations in certain categories. Criminal damage and arson, which rose significantly in the month, could reflect increased community activity or seasonal disruptions. The relatively low levels of property crimes, particularly shoplifting and vehicle crime, contrast with typical urban patterns, suggesting that Rustington's retail and transport infrastructure may be less targeted than in larger centres. This mix of crime types illustrates a community where violent and disorderly incidents are more common than property crimes, a pattern that may be influenced by local demographics, policing priorities, or the area's role within Arun.

October saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with theft from the person rising by 100% (from 0 to 1 incident) and criminal damage and arson increasing by 91.7% (from 12 to 23). These spikes may partly explain the 13.6% rise in anti-social behaviour, which reached 25 incidents. Conversely, shoplifting fell sharply by 76.2% (from 21 to 5), likely reflecting seasonal factors such as Halloween and shorter evenings. Vehicle crime also dropped by 50.0% (from 10 to 5), possibly linked to reduced traffic during the month. The balance of crime types reveals a stark contrast to national trends: violence and sexual offences in Rustington are 48% below the UK average, while anti-social behaviour is 45% below. This mix suggests a community where public order issues are managed effectively, though targeted interventions may be needed for specific categories like criminal damage.

Rustington's October 2023 crime rate of 3.8 per 1,000 residents marks a 22.0% decrease from the previous month's rate of 4.9, reflecting a sustained decline in reported incidents. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 261 residents, a figure that contextualises the frequency of incidents within the local population. On a daily basis, approximately five crimes were reported, a locally specific metric that provides a tangible sense of monthly activity without overgeneralisation. This reduction aligns with broader trends observed in the area, though the pace of decline slowed compared to earlier months. The monthly exposure statistic highlights that, despite the overall low rate, residents experience a measurable but manageable level of crime. When compared to the UK average, Rustington's performance remains markedly better, with its crime rate 52.5% below the national figure. This contrast underscores the area's unique characteristics, which may include effective community policing strategies or demographic factors that contribute to lower crime levels.