Fittleworth Crime Rate

Fittleworth's crime rate of 32.8 per 1,000 residents—63.9% below the UK average—positions it as one of the safest areas in the region. Despite a sharp 133.3% increase in public order crimes year-on-year, the area's overall safety score of 92/100 remains 13 points above the national benchmark. This contrast between rising disorderly conduct and consistently low property crime highlights the combination of local community dynamics and geographic factors.

Fittleworth is a small built-up area within Chichester, characterized by a mix of residential properties and quiet rural surroundings. Its low population density and proximity to natural landscapes likely contribute to its very safe profile. The area's socioeconomic stability, combined with limited commercial activity, may reduce opportunities for certain crimes. However, the presence of local amenities and occasional community events could influence patterns in public order and anti-social behaviour.

Fittleworth's most surprising finding is the sharp 133.3% year-on-year increase in public order crimes, despite remaining 26% below the UK average. This rise may be linked to local festivals or community gatherings, which can temporarily elevate disorderly conduct. Violence and sexual offences, though 23% higher than the previous year, remain 67% below the UK average—likely due to the area's low population density and strong community cohesion. Anti-social behaviour has surged by 66.7% YoY, potentially reflecting increased youth activity during term-time. Vehicle crime, however, has plummeted by 82.4% YoY, due to improved local parking enforcement or reduced commuter traffic. These patterns highlight how specific local factors, such as event frequency and community engagement, shape crime trends.

Fittleworth's crime rate has decreased by 10.9% year-on-year, with property crime remaining 68.5% below the UK average. However, public order crimes have surged by 133.3% YoY, likely linked to seasonal events or community gatherings. Monthly trends show a peak in May 2025 (6.0 per 1,000/month), followed by a sharp decline in December (0.7 per 1,000/month), suggesting seasonal factors influence crime patterns. The drop in vehicle crime (-82.4% YoY) may reflect reduced commuter traffic or improved local parking enforcement.

How To Keep Safe in Fittleworth

In Fittleworth, where property crime is 68.5% below the UK average, focus on securing vehicles and parcels, especially during peak theft hours (afternoon and evening). Ensure cars are locked even in residential areas, as vehicle crime spikes at night. For household security, consider AI systems that distinguish between regular visitors and potential intruders, leveraging Fittleworth's low crime rate to minimize false alarms. Community vigilance during local events can help mitigate the rise in public order crimes, ensuring these remain isolated incidents.

Crime in Fittleworth peaks during afternoon hours (12pm-6pm), with theft accounting for 62% of incidents, likely tied to shopping activity and local businesses. Evening hours (6pm-12am) see a rise in burglary (16%) and vehicle crime (18%), possibly due to increased foot traffic and late-night retail. Nighttime (12am-6am) witnesses a significant spike in vehicle crime (43%), suggesting opportunistic theft in isolated areas. These patterns align with the area's mix of residential and rural zones, where late-night vehicle crime may occur in less monitored spots, while daytime theft reflects local commercial activity.

Compared to nearby areas, Fittleworth's crime rate of 32.8 per 1,000 is significantly lower than Pulborough (65.4 per 1,000) and Petworth (62.0 per 1,000), which are 99% and 89% higher respectively. Coldwaltham, the closest neighbour, has a 4% higher rate (34.1 per 1,000), reflecting the varying socioeconomic profiles and population densities across the region.

In Fittleworth, where crime rates are 63.9% below the UK average, proactive security measures like scOS can offer peace of mind without excessive intrusion. With vehicle crime at 2.0 per 1,000—56% below the national rate—scOS's DVLA verification feature can help identify suspicious vehicles before incidents occur. Its AI-driven perimeter monitoring distinguishes between regular activity and potential threats, reducing false alarms. For an area with a safety score of 92/100, scOS provides discreet, automated deterrence that aligns with Fittleworth's low-crime profile, ensuring security remains a background concern rather than a daily preoccupation.