Wick (Arun) Crime Rate

Wick has a safety score of 78/100, which is just slightly below the UK average of 79. The overall crime rate in the area is 94.0 per 1,000 residents, a figure that is a bit higher than the national average of 91.6. However, the recent crime trend is positive, showing a decreasing direction with a 6.8% drop year-over-year. As a primarily residential settlement, Wick offers a stable living environment with crime rates that are lower than many of its more urban neighbours. The following analysis provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, time patterns, and safety suggestions to help you stay informed and secure in Wick.

Crime Breakdown in Wick (Arun)

In the settlement of Wick, violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crimes, accounting for 40.2% of all incidents (502 crimes). This is followed by anti-social behaviour at 15.2% (190 incidents) and shoplifting at 9.8% (123 incidents). These figures show that violence and sexual offences make up a significantly larger portion of total crime here than in many other parts of the district.

Property crime in Wick is relatively low, with a combined rate of 29.7 per 1,000 residents, which is better than the UK average of 32.2. This includes criminal damage and arson (94 incidents), vehicle crime (56 incidents), and burglary (27 incidents). For residents, this means that while the overall safety score is 78/100, the risk to physical property is lower than in many other urban areas. However, the high percentage of violence and sexual offences suggests that personal safety should be a priority. With a low burglary rate of 2.0 per 1,000, the risk of home break-ins is minimal, but the presence of vehicle crime and criminal damage indicates that opportunistic offences still occur, particularly in more accessible residential streets.

Crime Trends in Wick (Arun)

The crime trend in Wick is currently decreasing, with a 6.8% drop year-over-year. This is a positive indicator for the local community, showing that crime levels are falling. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 shows that the year began with a rate of 7.6 in January, rising to 8.6 in February. There was another peak in April at 9.4 per 1,000 residents.

Following the April high, the crime rate generally trended downwards, fluctuating between 7.5 and 9.0 through the summer, before dropping more significantly in the autumn and winter. The year ended with a rate of 6.7 in December, the lowest of the year. The overall 6.8% decrease suggests that safety in Wick is improving. For residents, this means that while vigilance is still required, the overall safety situation is moving in a positive direction. Continued community engagement and proactive security will be key to maintaining this downward trend.

How To Keep Safe in Wick (Arun)

The most common crime in Wick is violence and sexual offences, which account for a significant portion of total reported incidents. To stay safe, it is important to be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Stick to well-lit, populated routes and avoid shortcuts through isolated areas. The community-focused nature of Wick means that looking out for your neighbours and being part of local safety groups can be very effective.

Anti-social behaviour is the second most prevalent issue. If you notice any persistent problems in local parks or residential streets, reporting them to the local authorities helps maintain the area's character. For property owners, while burglary is relatively rare, the rate of vehicle crime at night suggests that ensuring your car is locked and parked in a well-lit area is a sensible precaution. Shoplifting is also a factor in the local retail areas; business owners can help deter this by maintaining good visibility and using modern security measures. Overall, staying safe in Wick is about combining personal awareness with proactive property protection.

Crime Patterns in Wick (Arun)

Crime in Wick follows a predictable temporal pattern. The afternoon (12pm-6pm) is the most active period for theft-related offences, which account for 47% of all crimes during these hours. This is largely due to activity in the local shopping areas. Burglary also sees a peak in the afternoon (11%), suggesting that opportunists target homes when residents are likely to be out.

As the day transitions into the evening (6pm-12am), 'other' crimes, including anti-social behaviour, become the most prominent, making up 56% of the total. Night-time (12am-6am) presents a specific risk for vehicle owners, with vehicle crime surging to 43% of all incidents during these hours. This data suggests that while Wick is generally safe, property and vehicles are most vulnerable in the quiet early morning hours. Residents are advised to ensure that all home and vehicle security measures are fully engaged before the evening. Understanding these patterns allows for targeted safety measures, such as enhanced vehicle security overnight and being mindful of home security during the day.

In the local regional context, Wick's crime rate of 94.0 per 1,000 residents is more favourable than several of its neighbours. It is significantly lower than Littlehampton (127.0), Yapton (111.5), and Arundel (170.8). However, it is notably higher than Rustington (50.1). This positions Wick as a middle-ground settlement in terms of safety within the Arun district. For those looking for a balance between urban amenities and a relatively secure residential environment, Wick compares well to the larger nearby towns. Residents should still be mindful of personal and property security, but they can take confidence in the area's overall downward crime trend.

In Wick, the property crime rate of 29.7 per 1,000 residents, while lower than the national average, still indicates a need for effective home security. Traditional CCTV systems are often reactive, providing footage only after a crime has occurred. In a community where personal safety and property protection are important, proactive protection is a much more effective way to maintain safety.

The scOS AI-powered home security operating system is designed to stop threats before they reach your door. By using multi-camera intelligence, scOS monitors your property's boundaries 24/7, identifying potential intruders the moment they appear. It can distinguish between a neighbour and a suspicious stranger, ensuring you only receive alerts for genuine concerns. With autonomous responses like activating lights and sound, scOS deters intruders before they can commit a crime. For Wick residents, scOS provides a professional-grade security solution that moves beyond simple recording to active prevention, ensuring your home remains a safe and secure environment.