Wick (Arun) Crime Rate

Wick (Arun) is a busy residential and commercial urban settlement in West Sussex, currently holding a safety score of 77/100. The area's overall crime rate is 96.4 per 1,000 residents, which is slightly higher than the UK national average of 91.7. Recent data indicates a stable safety environment, with a minor year-over-year decrease of 1.2%. As a central hub for the Arun district, Wick experiences a high volume of crime related to its active retail sectors and high population density. While personal offences and anti-social behaviour are the most frequently reported, property-related crime—particularly shoplifting and vehicle crime—is also a significant factor. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of statistics to help residents and visitors understand the safety landscape of Wick.

In Wick (Arun), violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for 38.4% of all reports. Anti-social behaviour is the second most frequent at 14.8%, followed by shoplifting at 11.8%. Overall property crime—including burglary, theft, and vehicle-related offences—occurs at a rate of 32.4 per 1,000 residents. This is almost identical to the UK national average of 32.3. Within this category, criminal damage and arson (7.3%) and 'other theft' (5.5%) are more frequent than residential burglary (2.1%). This indicates that while burglary rates are low, residents and business owners should be particularly mindful of opportunistic theft and vandalism. Vehicle crime also accounts for 5.3% of reports, highlighting the need for good car security in this busy residential area.

Wick has maintained a very stable crime trend over the past year, with a minor 1.2% decrease in total reports. Monthly data for 2025 shows that crime rates fluctuated between 6.8 and 9.4 per 1,000 residents. The highest activity was recorded in April (9.4) and December 2024 (9.1), while the lowest was in November (6.8). This consistency suggests that the safety environment in Wick is well-managed, with no sudden spikes in criminal activity. The slight decrease is a positive indicator for the area's safety profile, showing that crime levels are remaining consistent despite the town's high activity levels.

How To Keep Safe in Wick (Arun)

The most frequent crimes in Wick are violence and sexual offences and anti-social behaviour, which are often concentrated in busy commercial and high-density residential areas. To stay safe, it is recommended to remain aware of your surroundings, especially when out late at night. Stick to well-lit, busy streets and travel with friends where possible. Use personal safety apps and be mindful of your belongings in local retail spaces.

Property crime is also a factor, with shoplifting, criminal damage, and vehicle crime being prominent. Always ensure your home is securely locked, including all windows and side gates. Given that a significant percentage of vehicle crimes occur at night, maintaining good security habits throughout the 24-hour cycle is vital. For vehicle owners, ensure your car is locked and that no valuables are left on display, particularly when parked in public car parks. Installing a proactive security system that detects and deters intruders at your property boundary can provide the best protection against opportunistic theft. Participation in local Neighbourhood Watch schemes is also encouraged to stay informed about any suspicious activity in your neighbourhood. Being vigilant and reporting any anti-social behaviour helps maintain a safer community for everyone.

Crime timing in Wick shows that theft-related offences are primarily a daytime issue, while anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime peak in the evening and night. Theft accounts for 41% of morning reports and 47% of afternoon incidents, directly correlating with peak shopping and business hours. In contrast, vehicle crime is most prevalent during the night (12am-6am), representing 43% of all reports in that window. Anti-social behaviour and 'other' crimes are highest in the evening (55%). Burglary is more evenly distributed but shows slight peaks in the afternoon (13%) and night (13%). These patterns suggest that while the area is a busy residential hub, different risks emerge throughout the day, requiring varied security focus.

Wick (96.4) is a central residential hub, which is reflected in its crime rate compared to its immediate neighbours. It is safer than Littlehampton (128.2), Yapton (109.5), and Arundel (174.8). However, it is more active than neighbouring Rustington (50.6). This rate is typical for a primary urban settlement with a high population density and active local retail sectors. For those seeking a balance of amenities and safety, Wick remains a solid performer in the West Sussex coastal region.

Wick has a property crime rate of 32.4 per 1,000 residents, which is almost identical to the national average. In a busy residential area with active shopping sectors, properties and vehicles can be targeted by opportunistic thieves. Traditional security systems, such as standard CCTV or video doorbells, are reactive; they record a crime as it happens but often fail to prevent it. For residents in Wick, scOS offers a more advanced, proactive solution. The AI-powered system monitors all camera feeds simultaneously to identify potential threats at the property boundary. It can verify vehicles and recognize daily routines, ensuring that alerts are only sent for real threats. If an intruder is detected, scOS can autonomously activate deterrents like lights and speakers to stop a burglary or vehicle theft before it begins. This preventative approach is essential for protecting homes in a high-activity urban environment.