East Wittering Crime Rate May 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 6,948, East Wittering recorded 25 crimes in May 2023—an average of one crime for every 278 residents. This figure, though low, reflects a built-up area within Chichester that maintains a crime rate of 3.6 per 1,000, 55% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. The crime profile is dominated by violence and sexual offences (44% of total), followed by public order (16%) and anti-social behaviour (16%). These patterns align with the seasonal context of May, where bank holidays and extended evenings may contribute to increased socialising and associated risks. The area's violent crime rate is 42% below the UK average, a divergence that may be explained by local factors such as community cohesion, limited nightlife infrastructure, or effective policing strategies. Property crimes, while lower overall, show a notable 100% increase in burglary and criminal damage, linked to heightened outdoor activity during longer evenings. The absence of significant rises in shoplifting or theft from the person—categories typically influenced by tourism or retail activity—suggests that East Wittering's economic and social dynamics differ from more densely populated or tourist-heavy areas. This crime picture, while relatively benign, highlights the need for continued vigilance in addressing specific spikes, such as the rise in violent incidents.

May 2023 saw an 83.3% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from six to 11 incidents. This surge, coupled with a 100% rise in burglary and criminal damage, contrasts with a 75% drop in other theft. The shift in crime mix reveals a growing emphasis on violent incidents, which now constitute 44% of all reported crimes, compared to the UK average of 42% for the same category. East Wittering's performance in specific categories is striking: anti-social behaviour occurs at 55% below the UK average, while shoplifting is 80% lower than national rates. These figures suggest that local initiatives—whether informal community oversight or environmental design—may be deterring non-violent crimes more effectively. The 100% increase in criminal damage and arson, however, raises questions about whether seasonal factors like longer evenings and increased outdoor socialising have contributed to a rise in property-related incidents, particularly in areas with higher foot traffic.

East Wittering's crime rate in May 2023 rose 8.8% from the previous month's 3.3 per 1,000 to 3.6 per 1,000. This increase, though modest, translates to one reported crime for every 278 residents over the course of the month—a figure that contextualises the scale of incidents for local residents. On a daily basis, the area experienced roughly one crime per day, a rate that reflects the built-up nature of the area within Chichester. When compared to the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000, East Wittering's crime rate remains 55% below the national figure, underscoring the relatively low level of criminal activity in this coastal suburb. The population-scaled perspective highlights that even with the month-on-month increase, the area's crime profile remains significantly safer than the UK average, particularly in categories like violence and sexual offences, which are 42% below the national benchmark. This contrast between local and national trends suggests that factors unique to East Wittering—such as its proximity to natural amenities or community-focused policing—may contribute to sustained low crime levels despite the recent uptick.