Chichester Crime Rate September 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Chichester’s crime profile in September 2023 reveals a distinct emphasis on violent and anti-social offences, reflecting the town’s unique social and geographical dynamics. With a total crime rate of 6.0 per 1,000 residents—25% below the UK average—the area demonstrates a marked divergence from national trends. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 34.7% of all reported incidents, a figure that significantly outpaces the UK average of 23%. This imbalance may be partly explained by the town’s role as a hub for educational institutions, which often sees increased social activity during the start of the academic year. Anti-social behaviour followed closely, making up 13.6% of total crimes, a rate 40% below the UK average. This suggests that while interpersonal conflict is present, local initiatives or community cohesion efforts may be mitigating its severity. Public order offences, at 10.6% of the total, also fell below the UK average, a trend consistent with Chichester’s relatively stable urban environment. The lower prevalence of property crimes compared to national benchmarks—particularly shoplifting, vehicle crime, and burglary—could indicate a combination of effective policing, lower commercial density, or demographic factors such as a higher proportion of middle-income residents. Seasonal context further shapes this picture: September, with its transition from summer to autumn, brings back-to-school activity and the start of university freshers’ week, which may amplify certain types of crime while reducing others. The town’s coastal location and historical significance may also contribute to a crime profile that prioritises interpersonal over property-related offences. Overall, Chichester’s September crime data illustrates a combination of local characteristics, seasonal rhythms, and comparative safety metrics that set it apart from broader UK trends.

September 2023 saw notable shifts in Chichester’s crime profile, with bicycle theft rising sharply by 72.7% compared to the previous month, a jump from 11 to 19 incidents. This increase may reflect the return of university students, whose presence often correlates with higher rates of non-violent property crime. Conversely, vehicle crime fell by 46.2%, dropping from 65 to 35 incidents, potentially due to reduced commuter traffic as the academic year progressed. The balance between property and violent crime remained skewed, with violent offences—particularly violence and sexual offences—accounting for 34.7% of all crimes, significantly higher than the UK average of 23%. This discrepancy may be influenced by local factors such as the town’s mix of residential and commercial areas, which could create environments conducive to interpersonal conflict. Bicycle theft in Chichester exceeded the UK average by 100%, highlighting a specific vulnerability that local authorities may need to address through targeted interventions.

Chichester's crime rate in September 2023 fell to 6.0 per 1,000 residents, marking an 11.8% decrease from the previous month's rate of 6.8. This decline aligns with a broader trend observed in the area during late summer, where seasonal shifts and reduced tourist activity may contribute to lower reported incidents. On a daily basis, the local police recorded approximately 26 crimes per day, a figure that, while consistent with historical averages for the region, remains well below the UK average for similar-sized areas. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 167 residents, a ratio that underscores the relatively low exposure to crime compared to national benchmarks. When contextualised within Chichester's population of 128,934, this statistic highlights the area's ability to maintain safety despite its proximity to major transport routes and tourist attractions. The drop from the previous month’s rate may also reflect the impact of targeted policing initiatives in high-risk zones, though such factors remain speculative without explicit data on operational changes.