East Wittering Crime Rate June 2024 | Monthly Statistics

A dramatic 133.3% increase in shoplifting in June 2024 stands out as the most unexpected shift in East Wittering’s crime profile, with 7 incidents reported compared to 3 in May. This spike contrasts sharply with the overall crime rate of 4.9 per 1,000 residents, which remains 40.2% below the UK average of 8.2 per 1,000. The area’s built-up coastal character, situated within Chichester, likely influences these patterns, as summer tourism begins to peak. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 26.5% of total crimes (9 incidents), though this figure is 53% below the UK average for the category. Anti-social behaviour followed closely with 20.6% of crimes, while shoplifting’s unexpected rise suggests new dynamics at play during the warmer months. Seasonal factors, such as increased foot traffic in local retail areas and the start of the summer holiday season, may contribute to this anomaly. The relatively low crime rate overall aligns with East Wittering’s small population (6,948 residents) and the absence of major urban infrastructure, which typically correlates with higher crime rates. However, the shoplifting surge defies expectations for a low-density area, hinting at potential shifts in local economic activity or policing priorities. These findings underscore the need to monitor seasonal trends and their impact on crime patterns in coastal communities.

June 2024 saw a 133.3% increase in shoplifting, jumping from 3 to 7 incidents—a stark contrast to the 61% above UK average rate for the category. This surge, combined with a 100% rise in both possession of weapons and robbery (each reaching 1 incident), highlights unexpected spikes in property-related crimes. Meanwhile, public order offences fell by 50% (from 2 to 1), and violence and sexual offences dropped by 35.7% (from 14 to 9), though the latter remains 53% below the UK average. The crime mix shifted significantly, with property crimes (15 total) now accounting for 44.1% of all reported incidents, compared to 26.5% for violent crimes. This shift may reflect the seasonal draw of coastal tourism, which typically increases retail activity but also raises risks of theft. Shoplifting’s jump is 61% above the UK average (0.6 per 1,000), suggesting a unique local factor—such as changes in store security measures or tourist spending habits—could be driving this trend. Residents may find the daily crime count (1 per day) and the 1-in-204 resident monthly exposure rate (based on 34 total crimes) useful for contextualising safety in the area.

East Wittering’s June 2024 crime rate of 4.9 per 1,000 residents marks a 6.1% increase from the previous month’s 4.6 per 1,000, though it remains significantly lower than the UK average. On a daily basis, the area recorded roughly 1 crime per day over June—a figure that, while consistent with historical patterns for a small built-up area, highlights the concentrated nature of incidents. Monthly, the 34 total crimes equate to one reported crime for every 204 residents, a statistic that contextualises the area’s low overall risk compared to larger urban centres. When scaled to East Wittering’s population of 6,948, this rate suggests that most residents are unlikely to encounter crime during the month, though the shoplifting spike complicates this narrative. The 40.2% gap between East Wittering’s rate and the UK average reflects the area’s coastal, low-density character, which typically correlates with reduced crime due to limited commercial activity and strong community ties. However, the 133.3% rise in shoplifting indicates that even small areas can experience sharp fluctuations in specific crime types, particularly during seasonal transitions. This contrast between overall low rates and sudden spikes underscores the importance of targeted local analysis over broad national comparisons.