Chichester Crime Rate September 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Chichester's crime profile in September 2025 reveals a striking imbalance in the types of offences reported, with property and violent crimes dominating the landscape. The overall crime rate of 11.4 per 1,000 residents places the area 54.1% above the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000, a figure that demands closer scrutiny. The breakdown of crimes shows that violence and sexual offences account for 27.5% of all incidents, significantly higher than the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. This concentration of violent crime may be attributed to the town's status as a historic market town with a mix of urban and semi-rural characteristics, where social interactions in public spaces are frequent. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common category, was 97% above the UK average, a figure that could be linked to the town's proximity to educational institutions and the influx of students during the academic year. Shoplifting, at 2.0 per 1,000, was 228% above the UK average, reflecting the impact of retail activity in the town centre, which likely serves as a hub for both residents and visitors. The seasonal context of September—marked by the return to school and university—may have contributed to an uptick in certain categories of crime, such as anti-social behaviour and theft from the person. However, the decline in bicycle theft, which fell by 52.6% compared to August, suggests that seasonal patterns can also lead to reductions in specific types of crime. These patterns highlight the need for targeted interventions that address the unique characteristics of Chichester's environment, from its retail centres to its educational institutions.

September 2025 saw a significant shift in the crime mix, with violent crimes accounting for 27.5% of total incidents—well above the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. This category, including violence and sexual offences, was 20% above the UK average, suggesting a localised concentration of incidents that may be influenced by the town's social dynamics. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour, the second most common category, was 97% above the UK average, a stark contrast to the national trend. This spike may be linked to the return of students and the start of the academic year, a seasonal factor that typically increases public space interactions. Conversely, bicycle theft dropped by 52.6% compared to August, a decrease that aligns with the end of summer and the reduced presence of tourists. Robbery and theft from the person both doubled month-on-month, a concerning trend that warrants attention from local authorities. These changes illustrate a combination of seasonal rhythms and local demographics, with implications for community safety strategies.

Chichester's crime rate in September 2025 fell by 9.3% from the previous month's 12.5 per 1,000 to 11.4 per 1,000, reflecting a slight but notable downward trend. This reduction, however, still leaves the area 54.1% above the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000. On a daily basis, 13 crimes were reported each day in September, a figure that highlights the persistent pace of incidents despite the month-on-month decline. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 88 residents, a statistic that underscores the frequency of incidents within the local population. With 33,823 residents, this rate places Chichester in a unique position compared to national averages, where the density of population and the nature of local infrastructure may contribute to the disparity. The decrease in anti-social behaviour, for instance, could be linked to the transition from summer to autumn, with fewer large gatherings in public spaces. Conversely, the rise in theft from the person and robbery suggests shifting patterns that may require further local analysis to address effectively.