East Wittering Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

East Wittering's crime profile in December 2025 reveals a notable shift in the balance between property and violent crime. With 19 total crimes reported, the area maintains a crime rate of 2.7 per 1,000 residents — 61.4% below the UK average of 7.0. Property crimes (8 incidents) and violent crimes (6 incidents) each account for roughly a third of total reports, though the former slightly outnumbers the latter. This equilibrium may reflect the area’s seasonal dynamics: December’s dark evenings, empty homes over holidays, and heightened retail activity during the Christmas shopping peak likely influence both categories. Shoplifting, the most common offence (6 incidents, 31.6% of total), rose sharply by 200% from November, potentially linked to increased foot traffic in local stores. Conversely, violent crimes — primarily violence and sexual offences — fell by 50% compared to November, though they remain 65% below the UK average. This contrast underscores the interplay between environmental factors and crime patterns, with retail environments likely driving property offences while reduced social interaction during the festive season may temper violent crime. The area’s low overall rate, particularly when compared to UK averages, suggests effective local policing or community cohesion, though the sharp rise in shoplifting warrants closer scrutiny of retail security measures.

December 2025 saw a stark 200% increase in shoplifting, with 6 incidents reported — the highest monthly total since at least November. This surge, which exceeds the UK average for shoplifting by 58%, may reflect heightened retail activity during the Christmas season or vulnerabilities in local store security. Meanwhile, violent crimes — predominantly violence and sexual offences — fell by 50% compared to November, aligning with a 65% deficit relative to the UK average. This decline could indicate reduced social interactions during the festive period or successful interventions by local authorities. The crime mix also shifted: property crimes now slightly outnumber violent crimes, a reversal from November’s balance. Public order offences and other crime categories each rose by 100% from November, though these remain well below UK averages. For residents, the sharp rise in shoplifting highlights the need for vigilance in retail areas, particularly during peak shopping periods. The contrast between property and violent crime trends illustrates how seasonal factors can reshape local crime profiles without necessarily reflecting broader safety trends.

East Wittering’s December 2025 crime rate of 2.7 per 1,000 residents marks a 27% decrease from November’s 3.7, reflecting a continued downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately one crime per day over the 31-day month — a figure that, while low, may appear higher in context of the area’s population. When scaled to the local population of 6,948, this translates to one reported crime for roughly every 366 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate is significantly lower than the UK average, though East Wittering’s unique demographic and geographic profile — likely a mix of residential and commercial areas near Chichester — may contribute to its lower crime rates. The area’s small population and potential proximity to natural barriers or low-density housing could reduce opportunities for certain crimes, particularly those requiring larger populations or more transient communities. However, the sharp rise in shoplifting suggests that retail environments remain a focal point for crime, even in areas with otherwise low overall rates. This contrast between micro and macro statistics underscores the importance of localized analysis when assessing safety trends.