Rustington Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Rustington's crime rate in February 2026 stood at 3.8 per 1,000 residents, placing it 40.6% below the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This significant disparity highlights the area's generally safer profile compared to the national picture. Violence and sexual offences accounted for the largest share of reported crimes (31.7%), with 45 incidents recorded, a figure that remains 48% below the UK average for this category. Anti-social behaviour followed with 31 cases (21.8% of total), and public order offences contributed 13 incidents (9.2%). The winter season, marked by low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull, likely contributed to the overall subdued crime environment. For instance, the relatively low incidence of burglary (3 cases, 2.1% of total) may reflect the area's compact, closely-knit nature, where informal social controls can deter property crime. However, the seasonal context also means that factors like reduced visibility and colder weather may have influenced certain crime types, such as the notable decrease in shoplifting (35.3% reduction) which aligns with lower foot traffic during the month. The balance between property and violent crime in February shows a relatively even distribution, with property crimes accounting for 33% of the total (47 incidents) and violent crimes making up 32% (45 incidents). This equilibrium suggests a combination of local demographics and environmental factors. The overall crime rate, while low, remains a topic of interest for local authorities and residents alike, particularly as it contrasts with the broader UK trend of higher crime rates in urban centres.

Vehicle crime saw a dramatic 450% increase in February 2026, rising from 2 to 11 incidents. This sharp jump, though small in absolute terms, may partly explain the overall rise in the area's crime rate. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 35.3%, decreasing from 17 to 11 incidents, a trend consistent with seasonal patterns that typically see reduced retail activity in winter months. Violence and sexual offences, the most common category, remained 48% below the UK average at 1.2 per 1,000, illustrating Rustington's generally lower levels of violent crime compared to national benchmarks. Public order offences also rose sharply by 85.7%, from 7 to 13 incidents, suggesting increased community interaction in public spaces during the month. A resident might find the 450% rise in vehicle crime particularly notable, as it could indicate changes in local traffic patterns or unsecured vehicles in high-traffic areas.

Rustington's crime rate in February 2026 rose by 15.4% compared to the previous month, increasing from 3.3 to 3.8 per 1,000 residents. This upward trend, though modest, reflects a broader pattern of fluctuation typical in smaller built-up areas where local factors can influence monthly statistics. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 5 crimes per day in February, a figure that, while low, underscores the need for consistent community vigilance. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 261 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Rustington among the safer areas in the UK. When scaled to the population of 37,057, this means that the likelihood of being directly affected by crime remains relatively low, though the increase from the prior month suggests a shift in local dynamics that warrants attention. The population context further highlights that even small changes in crime rates can have measurable impacts on perceived safety, particularly in communities where trust in local services and policing is high.