Chichester Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Chichester’s February 2026 crime rate of 12.5 per 1,000 residents places it 95.3% above the UK average of 6.4, a stark divergence that reflects the area’s unique social and spatial dynamics. The most prevalent crimes — violence and sexual offences (28.4% of total), anti-social behaviour (26.1%), and shoplifting (13.7%) — indicate a pattern influenced by the built-up nature of the area and its proximity to retail hubs. Violence and sexual offences, at 3.6 per 1,000, are 55% above the UK average, likely tied to the concentration of population in urban spaces and the potential for interpersonal conflict in social settings. Anti-social behaviour, at 3.3 per 1,000, is 263% above the national average, a figure that may be amplified by the density of residential areas and the pressures of living in a small urban environment. Shoplifting, at 1.7 per 1,000, is 193% above the UK rate, pointing to the influence of high-traffic retail zones and the vulnerability of smaller businesses to theft. These trends align with February’s seasonal context — a winter month marked by reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull, which may limit opportunities for certain crimes while concentrating others in indoor or commercial spaces. The area’s built-up nature, with its mix of residential, retail, and administrative functions, likely contributes to the elevated rates of property-related crimes and disorderly conduct, even as the UK as a whole experiences lower levels of such activity.

February 2026 saw notable decreases in vehicle crime, with a 120% increase from five to 11 incidents, reflecting a sharp rise in this category. Theft from the person also rose sharply, doubling from zero to one report, while other theft cases doubled from 11 to 22. These increases contrast with declines in possession of weapons, which fell by 50% from 10 to 5, and other crime, which dropped by 16.7% from six to five. The crime mix in Chichester shifted significantly compared to the UK average, with violence and sexual offences at 3.6 per 1,000 — 55% above the UK rate — and anti-social behaviour at 3.3 per 1,000, 263% above the national average. This imbalance underscores the area’s unique challenges, particularly in addressing violent and disorderly conduct. Residents may find the 12.5 per 1,000 rate, which is nearly double the UK average, to be a critical insight into the local crime environment.

Chichester’s crime rate in February 2026 rose to 12.5 per 1,000 residents, a 34% increase from the previous month’s rate of 9.3. This upward trend highlights a shift in the local crime profile, with daily crime counts averaging 15 incidents per day — a figure that underscores the frequency of reported incidents in a short time frame. Over the course of February, one crime was reported for every 80 residents, a monthly exposure rate that situates the area within a specific context of community safety. While this figure is local-only and not directly comparable to national averages, it provides a tangible snapshot of how frequently residents may encounter crime in their daily lives. The population-scaled perspective reveals that, despite the area’s relatively small size, the concentration of certain crime types — particularly violence and anti-social behaviour — amplifies the impact on the community. This contrast with the UK average, where crime rates are significantly lower, suggests that local factors may be driving these disparities.