Chichester Crime Rate December 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Chichester’s crime profile in December 2023 reveals a marked disparity between property and violent crime, with the former slightly outnumbering the latter despite both categories remaining below UK averages. The overall crime rate of 4.9 per 1,000 residents—31.9% lower than the UK average of 7.2—suggests a relatively safer environment, though this may be influenced by the city’s unique characteristics. As a historic market town with a blend of urban and suburban areas, Chichester’s lower burglary rates could reflect a combination of proactive policing, well-lit public spaces, and a community-focused approach to crime prevention. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 33.4% of all crimes, a figure 39% below the UK average, linked to the town’s quieter nightlife and fewer large-scale events compared to major cities. Anti-social behaviour, another significant category, contributed 13.2% of crimes, again below the UK average, which might be attributed to effective local initiatives targeting public order. The seasonal context of December—characterised by dark evenings, holiday absences, and heightened retail activity—likely influenced crime patterns, with shoplifting (0.5 per 1,000) and bicycle theft (0.1 per 1,000) both slightly above UK averages, due to increased foot traffic and unsecured vehicles. This interplay between local geography, community dynamics, and seasonal factors paints a nuanced picture of Chichester’s crime profile, where targeted efforts to address specific vulnerabilities may have contributed to the overall reduction in crime.

December 2023 saw a stark contrast in crime trends, with violent crime (210 incidents) slightly outnumbering property crime (261 incidents), though both categories remained below UK averages. Theft from the person surged by 200%, jumping from 2 to 6 cases, a shift that may reflect increased foot traffic during the festive season or targeted opportunism in crowded areas. Conversely, burglary plummeted by 53.3%, declining from 60 to 28 incidents—a drop that could be linked to fewer homes being unoccupied over the holidays. Other significant changes included a 60% rise in drug-related offences, tied to seasonal social dynamics, and a 50% reduction in other crime categories. Meanwhile, shoplifting and bicycle theft remained above UK averages, highlighting vulnerabilities in retail and cycling infrastructure despite overall lower crime rates.

Chichester’s crime rate in December 2023 fell by 15.6% compared to November, dropping from 5.8 to 4.9 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with seasonal patterns, as December’s shorter evenings and holiday-related absences may reduce opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 20 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of activity in a city with a population of 128,934. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 205 residents, a measure that reflects the monthly exposure to crime rather than daily fluctuations. While this rate is lower than the UK average, the local context—such as the presence of historic buildings and a mix of residential and commercial areas—may contribute to differences in crime patterns. The drop in burglary, for instance, could be attributed to fewer people being at home during the holidays.