East Wittering Crime Rate October 2025 | Monthly Statistics

East Wittering’s overall crime rate in October 2025 stood at 3.3 per 1,000 residents, placing it 57.1% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This figure reflects a consistently low crime environment, though the data reveals distinct patterns in the types of offences reported. Anti-social behaviour accounted for 52.2% of all crimes, with 12 incidents recorded—a rate of 1.7 per 1,000. This category is 35% above the UK average for the same category, suggesting a unique local dynamic that may relate to the built-up area’s proximity to Chichester’s urban infrastructure or seasonal social activity. Violence and sexual offences, at 0.6 per 1,000, were 77% below the UK average, highlighting a marked contrast to national trends. The seasonal context of October—characterised by darker evenings following the clocks’ reversal and the approach of Halloween—may have influenced some reported incidents. For instance, the lower rates of violence could align with reduced nightlife activity in this smaller, more residential setting. However, the sharp increase in shoplifting, burglary, and other theft in October raises questions about potential shifts in local economic or social conditions. While the overall crime rate remains well below the UK average, these specific changes warrant closer attention in the context of the area’s character and the month’s unique rhythms.

The most dramatic month-on-month shift occurred in shoplifting, burglary, and other theft, each of which rose by 100% compared to September. Shoplifting, previously unreported, now stands at one incident in October, while burglary also saw its first recorded case in the month. These increases, though small in absolute terms, are statistically significant and may reflect seasonal factors such as the timing of Halloween or changes in retail activity. Conversely, violence and sexual offences dropped by 73.3% from 15 to 4, a decline that could be linked to the reduced number of evenings with prolonged daylight or the absence of large-scale events in October. Anti-social behaviour, however, remained the most prevalent category, with a rate 35% above the UK average. This discrepancy may be influenced by the built-up area’s density or the presence of local amenities that draw more public interaction. The data also shows that public order offences fell by 33.3%, while criminal damage and arson dropped by 50%, suggesting a possible reduction in disruptive incidents during the month. For residents, the sharp rise in shoplifting and burglary—though limited to single incidents—may signal the need for heightened vigilance in retail and residential areas during October, particularly as the month’s darker evenings and seasonal events continue.

East Wittering’s crime rate in October 2025 was 3.3 per 1,000, a 23.4% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 4.3 per 1,000. This decline positions the area as one of the safest in the UK, with a daily crime count of approximately one incident per day over the 31-day period. On a monthly basis, this translates to one reported crime occurring for roughly every 302 residents, a figure that underscores the relatively low frequency of incidents in this built-up area. While the UK average crime rate is 7.7 per 1,000, East Wittering’s rate is more than half of that, reflecting a long-standing trend of lower reported crimes. The population-scaled perspective further highlights this safety: for every 1,000 residents, the area experiences significantly fewer violent and property crimes than the national average. This contrast may be attributed to the area’s size, the potential influence of local community engagement, or the absence of major urban centres that typically correlate with higher crime rates. However, the month-on-month increases in shoplifting and burglary suggest that even in low-crime areas, seasonal and situational factors can introduce volatility. Residents may find it useful to note that the area’s crime profile remains markedly different from the UK average, with anti-social behaviour being the primary concern rather than violent or property crimes.