East Wittering Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

East Wittering recorded a crime rate of 3.0 per 1,000 residents in October 2023, placing it 62.5% below the UK average of 8.0 per 1,000. This marked contrast reflects the area’s small population and low-density built-up character, which likely contributes to its consistently lower crime profile. The most prevalent category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 42.9% of all incidents, though this rate was 52% below the UK average. Public order offences followed at 19.1%, a category that saw a notable surge in October, potentially influenced by seasonal factors such as Halloween. The data also highlights a significant gap between local and national trends: for instance, anti-social behaviour in East Wittering was 77% below the UK average, while vehicle crime was 81% below. This divergence underscores the unique dynamics of a small, possibly commuter-focused or residential area where community cohesion and local policing may play a stronger role in crime prevention. Seasonal context further complicates the picture, as the transition to darker evenings in October may have altered patterns of activity, with public order incidents and other thefts rising sharply. These trends align with the broader seasonal rhythm of East Wittering, where events like Halloween can temporarily shift crime types without necessarily reflecting long-term changes in safety. The low overall rate, combined with the specific spikes in certain categories, suggests that while the area remains generally secure, targeted interventions may be necessary to address emerging issues such as public order disturbances.

The most striking shift in October 2023 was the 100% increase in public order offences, rising from 2 to 4 incidents. This surge, occurring against the backdrop of Halloween, may reflect heightened activity in local community spaces or events. Concurrently, other theft also doubled, suggesting a possible link to seasonal factors such as increased foot traffic or festival-related opportunities. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime both halved, indicating a potential reduction in incidents linked to temporary changes in community behaviour or policing efforts. Violence and sexual offences, though remaining the most common category, decreased by 10% from September. This category was 52% below the UK average, a stark contrast to the 2% increase in public order offences relative to national rates. These shifts highlight the volatility of crime patterns in small built-up areas, where localized events can significantly influence monthly statistics. For residents, the doubling of public order offences offers a clear insight into areas where community vigilance may be particularly important.

East Wittering’s crime rate in October 2023 fell by 19.3% compared to September, dropping from 3.7 to 3.0 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with broader seasonal patterns, as shorter days and cooler weather may reduce opportunities for certain crimes. Locally, the average resident faces a 1-in-331 chance of experiencing a reported crime over the course of the month, a figure that underscores the area’s relatively low crime profile compared to national averages. Daily crime activity averaged one incident per day in October, consistent with historical trends for this built-up area. While this monthly exposure remains low, the shift in crime types—particularly the 100% increase in public order offences—suggests evolving dynamics in local policing priorities. The population context also highlights that, despite the 21 reported crimes, the area’s small size and low density likely contribute to the manageable scale of incidents. This comparison reinforces that East Wittering continues to maintain a crime rate far below the UK average.