Chichester Crime Rate October 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Chichester's October 2023 crime rate of 6.3 per 1,000 places it 21.3% below the UK average, a consistent trend that reflects the district's character as a historic coastal town with a blend of urban and rural environments. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 34.1% of all crimes, the highest category, a pattern consistent with the town's mix of residential areas and nightlife hubs. Anti-social behaviour followed at 14.6%, likely driven by the social dynamics of a tourist destination during the autumn season. Criminal damage and arson made up 9.2% of reported crimes, a figure that may be influenced by the district's historic buildings and seasonal weather patterns. October's transition to darker evenings and the approach of Halloween may have contributed to these patterns. The lower-than-average rates for violent crime and anti-social behaviour suggest that community policing efforts and the town's relatively low population density may be contributing factors. However, the seasonal context of shorter daylight hours and increased indoor activity could also play a role. The overall crime rate, while slightly up from September, remains firmly in line with Chichester's historical safety profile as a town with a strong local identity and relatively low levels of serious crime.

The most dramatic month-on-month change occurred in vehicle crime, which jumped 60% from 35 to 56 incidents. This spike may be linked to October's shorter evenings and increased traffic in the coastal district, though no definitive causal link is established. Burglary also rose sharply by 40.5%, with 59 cases reported—47% above the UK average for this category. This divergence suggests local vulnerabilities, possibly tied to seasonal home occupancy patterns or increased opportunities in areas with historic housing stock. Conversely, bicycle theft fell 63.2% to 7 incidents, likely reflecting reduced cycling activity as temperatures dropped. Violence and sexual offences remained 22% below the UK average at 2.1 per 1,000, a consistent trend that may reflect the town's lower population density and strong community policing initiatives. The sharp decline in other crime (72.7%) to 3 cases from 11 in September indicates a possible reduction in low-level disorder incidents, though this remains to be seen in subsequent months.

Chichester's crime rate in October 2023 rose 4.3% compared to September's 6.0 per 1,000, reaching 6.3 per 1,000. This increase, while modest, aligns with seasonal patterns in the area. On a daily basis, 26 crimes were reported across the district each day in October, a figure that contextualises the pace of activity for residents. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 160 residents, a monthly exposure rate that reflects the area's broader safety profile. When compared to the UK average, Chichester remains significantly safer, with its overall rate 21.3% below the national figure. However, the rise in vehicle crime (+60%) suggests localized factors may be influencing specific categories. The population context—128,934 residents—further underscores that the absolute number of crimes, while notable, remains proportionally lower than in larger urban centres. This contrast highlights both the effectiveness of local policing and the unique challenges of a coastal district with a mix of urban and rural characteristics.