Chichester Crime Rate

Introduction to Chichester Crime Statistics

Chichester, with a population of 128,934, reports an overall crime rate of 77.2 per 1,000 residents per year. This figure positions Chichester as a safer area compared to the national average UK crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000. The area also boasts a commendable safety score of 83 out of 100, significantly above the UK average safety score of 78. However, recent data indicates an increasing trend in crime, with a 5.2% rise year-over-year. This introduction sets the stage for a more detailed examination of crime types, trends, and comparisons with nearby areas.

About Chichester

Chichester, as a Local Authority District, encompasses a diverse range of characteristics that influence its crime statistics. The area blends historic urban centres with surrounding rural landscapes and coastal regions, contributing to varied crime patterns. The city of Chichester itself serves as a key commercial and cultural hub, attracting both residents and tourists, which can lead to higher instances of certain crimes like shoplifting or anti-social behaviour in concentrated areas. Transport links, including road networks, also play a role in accessibility and potential transient populations. While generally affluent, the district's varied demographics and economic activities across its different settlements mean crime rates can differ significantly from one neighbourhood to another. Understanding these underlying factors provides crucial context for the reported crime figures and safety perceptions within Chichester.

Crime Type Analysis in Chichester

The crime landscape in Chichester is dominated by Violence and sexual offences, which account for 31.4% of all reported crimes, at a rate of 24.2 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour follows as the second most prevalent issue, making up 20.5% of total crimes, with 15.8 incidents per 1,000 people. Shoplifting completes the top three, representing 9.5% of offences at 7.3 per 1,000. These figures highlight specific challenges in public safety and retail security within the district.

Looking at property-related crime, Chichester experiences a rate of 27.1 per 1,000 residents, which is notably lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This category includes burglary (2.8 per 1,000), vehicle crime (3.1 per 1,000), other theft (4.9 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (6.8 per 1,000), bicycle theft (1.1 per 1,000), robbery (0.5 per 1,000), and theft from the person (0.5 per 1,000). While lower than the national average, these crimes still pose a concern for residents and homeowners, underscoring the importance of robust security measures to protect homes and possessions.

Crime Trend Analysis in Chichester

Chichester has experienced an increasing crime trend over the last year, with a 5.2% rise in total crimes year-over-year. Analysing the monthly crime rate per 1,000 residents reveals fluctuations throughout the period. The lowest crime rate was observed in December 2024 at 5.1 per 1,000, suggesting a potential seasonal dip. Conversely, July 2025 recorded the highest rate at 7.8 per 1,000, indicating a mid-year peak in criminal activity. The trend shows a general upward trajectory from December 2024 to July 2025, before a slight decrease towards September 2025. This increasing trend suggests that residents should remain vigilant regarding personal safety and property security. Understanding these patterns can help individuals and local authorities to implement targeted prevention strategies during periods of higher risk.

Crime Comparisons with Nearby Areas

When evaluating crime statistics in Chichester, it is beneficial to consider its performance relative to neighbouring areas. Compared to Arun, East Hampshire, Havant, Horsham, Waverley, and Worthing, Chichester generally maintains a favourable position with its overall crime rate of 77.2 per 1,000 residents and a safety score of 83/100, which is higher than the UK average. While specific crime rates vary across these districts, Chichester's figures provide a regional context of relative safety. For instance, areas with higher urbanisation might see different crime profiles. This comparison helps residents and potential newcomers understand Chichester's standing within the broader regional landscape and assess its appeal as a place to live, work, and visit.

Protecting Your Property in Chichester

Given Chichester's property crime rate of 27.1 per 1,000 residents, which, while below the UK average, still highlights the importance of effective home security. Traditional security solutions, such as basic CCTV cameras, often only provide footage after a burglary has occurred. For truly effective protection, consider moving beyond reactive recording to proactive prevention.

Modern AI-powered home security systems, such as scOS, are designed to detect threats at your property boundary, stopping incidents before they escalate. Unlike systems that merely notify you after an intruder is already inside, scOS utilises multi-camera intelligence to watch all areas simultaneously, learning your routines to differentiate between family, deliveries, and genuine threats. Features like DVLA vehicle verification can instantly flag suspicious vehicles, and autonomous responses, including activating lights and engaging speakers, can deter most burglars within their critical 60-second decision window. Investing in professional-grade security that actively prevents crime, rather than just documenting it, offers a superior level of protection for your home and peace of mind.