Chichester Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Chichester’s crime profile in November 2023, accounting for 34.5% of all reported crimes. This category, at 2.0 per 1,000 residents, was 23% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000. The prominence of violent crime likely reflects the area’s mix of urban and rural characteristics, where public spaces such as town centres and coastal paths may see heightened activity during seasonal events like Bonfire Night. The overall crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000 residents marked a 22.7% reduction compared to the UK average, underscoring Chichester’s relatively safer profile. However, this safety is not uniform across crime types: while anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, and vehicle crime all showed significant declines, burglary remained an outlier, with rates 47% above the UK average. This discrepancy may be partly explained by the town’s historic properties, which could present unique vulnerabilities for intrusions. Seasonal factors also played a role: the 433% surge in 'other crime' and 300% increase in robbery cases may correlate with the timing of Black Friday shopping, which often sees spikes in opportunistic theft. Meanwhile, the drop in vehicle crime aligns with the waning retail season and reduced traffic during November, which could limit opportunities for such offences. These patterns illustrate the combination of local geography, seasonal rhythms, and the broader UK crime context, offering insights into both the strengths and challenges of Chichester’s public safety framework.

November 2023 saw sharp increases in specific categories, including a 433.3% rise in 'other crime' (from 3 to 16 incidents) and a 300% surge in robbery cases (from 1 to 4). These spikes, though small in absolute terms, reflect potential shifts in criminal activity or reporting patterns. Conversely, anti-social behaviour fell by 28% (from 118 to 85), possibly linked to seasonal factors such as reduced nightlife activity or increased community engagement. The burglary rate in Chichester (0.5 per 1,000) was 47% higher than the UK average (0.3 per 1,000), highlighting a regional vulnerability that may be influenced by the area’s historic architecture and proximity to rural zones. Meanwhile, vehicle crime dropped by 20% (from 56 to 45), a trend consistent with the post-Christmas lull in retail and festive events. For residents, the 433% increase in 'other crime' underscores the importance of vigilance in less-monitored areas, such as parks or open spaces, where such incidents often occur.

Chichester’s crime rate in November 2023 stood at 5.8 per 1,000 residents, marking a 7.7% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 6.3 per 1,000. This decline aligns with broader seasonal trends, as November’s shorter daylight hours and reduced foot traffic in retail areas may have dampened opportunities for certain crimes. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 25 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of activity in a localised timeframe. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 173 residents, reflecting a relatively low monthly exposure compared to the UK average. With a population of 128,934, this translates to a manageable level of risk for most residents, though specific areas may still experience concentrated incidents. The decrease in anti-social behaviour by 28% and vehicle crime by 20% further underscores the month’s overall trend towards lower crime rates, contrasting with the 47% increase in burglary relative to the UK average. These disparities highlight the need for targeted local strategies, particularly in addressing property crime, which remains a notable concern despite the overall decline.