Chichester Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile in Chichester during November 2023, accounting for 33.9% of all reported crimes. With an overall crime rate of 11.4 per 1,000 residents—52% above the UK average—this built-up area continues to face challenges in maintaining public safety. The prominence of violent crimes, which stood at 3.9 per 1,000 (51% above the UK rate), may be linked to factors such as the town's mix of residential and commercial spaces, particularly around its historic town centre and nearby educational institutions. Anti-social behaviour (14%) and shoplifting (12.4%) also featured prominently, with the latter significantly exceeding UK rates by 155%. These trends could be influenced by seasonal factors, including the timing of Black Friday sales, which often see spikes in retail-related offences, and the darker evenings of November, which may contribute to increased anti-social incidents. The area's proximity to major transport links and its role as a regional hub for tourism and commerce likely play a role in shaping these patterns. However, the relatively low rate of vehicle crime (20% below the UK average) suggests that local initiatives—such as improved street lighting or community policing efforts—may be having a positive effect in reducing opportunities for such offences. As November progresses, the interplay between seasonal events, such as Bonfire Night, and local demographics will continue to influence crime dynamics, requiring targeted interventions to address the most pressing issues.

November 2023 saw sharp increases in certain crime categories, bicycle theft, which rose by 140% (5 to 12 incidents), and other crime, which surged by 166.7% (3 to 8 incidents). These jumps may reflect seasonal factors such as Black Friday shopping and the start of colder weather, which could have increased opportunities for theft. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 36.8% (19 to 12 incidents), linked to reduced outdoor activity during darker evenings. The breakdown of crimes reveals a stark contrast with UK averages, particularly in shoplifting (155% above the UK rate) and anti-social behaviour (52% above). Violent crimes, at 3.9 per 1,000, were 51% above the UK average, suggesting that local dynamics—such as the presence of nightlife venues or public events—may contribute to this disparity. Residents might find the 36.8% drop in vehicle crime noteworthy, as it aligns with typical seasonal patterns where fewer vehicles are parked in public spaces during colder months.

Chichester's crime rate in November 2023 remained stable at 11.4 per 1,000 residents, a 1.5% decrease from the previous month's 11.6 per 1,000. This slight decline suggests minimal fluctuation in overall criminal activity, though the rate remains 52% above the UK average. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 13 crimes per day, reflecting a consistent level of activity across the month. When scaled to the population, this translates to one reported crime for every 87 residents over the course of November, highlighting the frequency of incidents in a relatively small built-up area. While the rate is stable, the high exposure to crime compared to the UK average underscores the need for ongoing community engagement and policing strategies tailored to local conditions. The population context further illustrates that even minor changes in crime rates can have significant impacts on residents' perceptions of safety, particularly in areas with limited resources for crime prevention.