Chichester Crime Rate February 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Chichester's crime rate in February 2023 stood at 4.6 per 1,000 residents, 33.3% below the UK average of 6.9. This figure underscores the area's consistent performance in maintaining lower-than-national-level crime, a trend that aligns with its character as a coastal town with a mix of historic residential areas and commercial districts. The breakdown of crimes reveals that violence and sexual offences accounted for 35.8% of all incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (10.9%) and criminal damage and arson (10.6%). These figures suggest that while violent crime remains a concern, it is proportionally lower than the UK average, where such offences make up 35% of total crimes. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with reduced outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—likely contributed to the lower rates of public order offences and vehicle crime, which are typically more prevalent during busier periods. However, the data also highlights areas of divergence: shoplifting and bicycle theft both exceeded the UK average by 14% and 67% respectively, pointing to vulnerabilities in retail security and cycling infrastructure. These anomalies may be explained by the town's retail presence and the mobility patterns of students and commuters, who may be more likely to use bicycles in the area. The overall picture illustrates a balance between effective local crime prevention strategies and persistent challenges in specific sectors, requiring targeted interventions to address rising trends in shoplifting and bicycle theft.

February 2023 saw a notable reduction in anti-social behaviour, which fell to 10.9% of total crimes, a 48% decrease compared to the UK average. This decline aligns with the seasonal lull in outdoor activity typical of winter months, likely reducing opportunities for disorderly conduct in public spaces. Meanwhile, shoplifting emerged as a category 14% above the UK average, with 59 incidents recorded. This increase may be attributed to the proximity of retail hubs in the town centre, where foot traffic remains steady despite colder weather. Vehicle crime also dropped sharply, with 31 incidents reported—56% below the UK average. This could reflect improved vehicle security measures or the reduced presence of unattended vehicles during the winter. The data also reveals a 67% increase in bicycle theft compared to the UK average, a trend linked to the area's cycling infrastructure and the mobility patterns of students or commuters.

Chichester's crime rate in February 2023 remained 33.3% below the UK average, a consistent trend reflecting the area's lower overall crime profile. The daily crime count averaged 21 incidents per day, a figure that contextualises the local pace of criminal activity against the broader population of 128,934 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 220 residents, illustrating the relative safety of the district compared to national benchmarks. This monthly exposure metric, while not directly comparable to UK-wide figures, provides residents with a tangible sense of risk. The population-scaled perspective highlights how Chichester's infrastructure, including its historic town centre and suburban housing, may contribute to a more stable environment. The low daily crime rate, combined with the 1-in-220 resident statistic, suggests that while crime is not absent, it is infrequent enough to be manageable for most households.