Chichester Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

For residents of Chichester, the crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000 in April 2023 translates to a monthly risk of approximately one reported crime for every 173 residents. This figure places the city 22.7% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000, a disparity that reflects both local characteristics and seasonal patterns. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for nearly 40% of all reports, followed by anti-social behaviour (10.1%) and shoplifting (8.6%). These figures align with Chichester's status as a historic coastal town with a mix of urban and rural areas, where public spaces and seasonal events like the Easter period may contribute to higher rates of certain offences. The relatively low crime rate compared to the UK average suggests effective local policing or demographic factors, though spring weather and increased outdoor activity likely influenced the mix of offences. Shoplifting rates in Chichester were 4% above the UK average, a finding consistent with the town's retail presence along the seafront and High Street, where foot traffic may create opportunities for such crimes. Meanwhile, the lower-than-average rates of anti-social behaviour and public order offences could indicate successful community engagement initiatives or a more cohesive social environment in key areas.

April 2023 saw several notable shifts in crime patterns compared to March. Bicycle theft increased by 50%, rising from 6 to 9 incidents, a change that may reflect the Easter holidays and increased outdoor cycling activity during spring. Anti-social behaviour also rose by 33.9%, with reports jumping from 56 to 75, potentially linked to the Easter period and associated gatherings in public spaces. Burglary rates climbed by 31%, from 42 to 55, though this remains below the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000. Conversely, robbery rates fell dramatically by 88.9%, from 9 to 1, likely due to improved security measures or reduced opportunities during the Easter weekend. Theft from the person also declined by 42.9%, from 7 to 4, reflecting lower foot traffic in retail areas during the holiday period. The city's performance on specific categories was striking: violence and sexual offences were 12% below the UK average, while shoplifting and burglary exceeded UK rates by 4% and 33% respectively. These variations highlight the complex relationship between local demographics, geography, and crime trends, with Chichester's coastal and historic character likely shaping the distribution of offences.

Chichester's crime rate in April 2023 (5.8 per 1,000) represented a 4.2% increase from March's 5.5 per 1,000, though it remains significantly below the UK average. Translating this into daily context, the city experienced an average of 25 crimes per day in April, a figure that includes both violent and property offences. Over the course of the month, this equated to one reported crime for every 173 residents, a ratio that provides a tangible measure of risk for local households. When compared to the UK's overall rate of 7.5 per 1,000, Chichester's performance underscores the effectiveness of local policing strategies or demographic factors that contribute to its lower crime profile. The city's population of 128,934 means that even small percentage changes can have meaningful impacts on absolute numbers, as seen in the 31% increase in burglary cases. However, the relatively low incidence of violent crime—particularly the 12% gap below the UK average for violence and sexual offences—suggests that community-focused policing or social cohesion efforts may be playing a role. These figures, when contextualised within Chichester's unique mix of historic sites, coastal tourism, and suburban areas, illustrate a city where crime risk is generally lower than the national average but not immune to seasonal fluctuations.