East Wittering Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 6,948 residents, East Wittering recorded 40 crimes in May 2025, translating to a crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000 people. This figure is 28.4% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, placing the area in the safer half of the country. The most common crimes were violence and sexual offences (11 incidents, 27.5% of total), followed by public order (7 incidents, 17.5%) and other theft (7 incidents, 17.5%). The seasonal context of May—marked by bank holidays, longer evenings, and increased outdoor socialising—may partly explain the distribution of crimes. While violence and sexual offences remain 43% below the UK average, public order offences are 72% above the national rate, suggesting local factors such as community dynamics or specific events could be influencing this category. The area’s relatively low burglary rate (0.3 per 1,000) and significantly lower drug-related crime (64% below UK average) align with its character as a small built-up area within Chichester, where residential density and proximity to coastal attractions may reduce opportunities for certain types of crime. However, the sharp rise in public order offences highlights a need for targeted analysis of local patterns during this time of year.

May 2025 saw significant shifts in crime trends compared to April. Public order offences surged by 133.3% (from 3 to 7 incidents), while other theft rose by 100% (from 0 to 7 incidents). These increases contrast with a 57.1% decline in shoplifting (from 7 to 3 incidents) and an 83.3% drop in criminal damage and arson (from 6 to 1 incident). The violent crime category also decreased by 21.4%, though it remains 43% below the UK average. East Wittering’s public order offences are 72% above the national rate, a stark outlier compared to its overall safety profile. This discrepancy may reflect the impact of May’s longer evenings and increased foot traffic in the built-up area. Meanwhile, burglary rates doubled compared to April, though they remain just 7% above the UK average. For residents, the most immediate concern is the sharp rise in public order incidents, which could indicate issues related to alcohol-fuelled disputes or unregulated events in the area. The drop in shoplifting may be linked to seasonal retail patterns, with fewer tourists and local shoppers during this period.

East Wittering’s crime rate in May 2025 (5.8 per 1,000) was 4.6% lower than the previous month’s rate of 6.0 per 1,000, marking a slight downward trend. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 1 crime per day in May, a figure that contextualises the low overall volume of incidents for such a small population. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 174 residents, a ratio that underscores the area’s relatively low exposure to crime compared to larger urban centres. With a population of 6,948, the 40 total crimes recorded represent a manageable burden for local policing and community resources. However, the 72% increase in public order offences compared to the UK average raises questions about the specific dynamics of this built-up area. While the overall rate remains well below the national benchmark, the disproportionate rise in certain categories suggests that targeted interventions may be necessary to address localised issues. The comparison to the UK average also highlights East Wittering’s strengths in reducing violent crime and drug-related offences, which are 43% and 64% below national rates respectively. These figures reflect the area’s character as a smaller, more tightly knit community within Chichester, where social cohesion and proximity to coastal amenities may contribute to lower levels of certain crimes.