Chichester Crime Rate April 2024 | Monthly Statistics

In April 2024, Chichester’s crime rate of 6.2 per 1,000 residents placed it 19.5% below the UK average, a position that translates to one reported crime for every 162 residents over the course of the month. This per-capita perspective highlights the area’s relatively low risk compared to the national picture, though whether this reflects proactive policing, demographic factors, or seasonal influences. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 30.2% of all incidents but remained 26% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed at 15.4%, with an 18% gap compared to national figures, while shoplifting—driven by Easter retail activity—rose to 13.2% of total crimes. The seasonal context of April, marked by spring weather and increased outdoor activity, may have influenced the distribution of crimes. Chichester’s coastal character, with its mix of historic residential areas and limited commercial zones, may contribute to its lower property crime rates compared to urban centres. However, the sharp increase in shoplifting suggests a need for targeted interventions in retail sectors during peak shopping periods. The overall crime picture remains stable, with no major spikes or dips in the most serious categories, though the rise in ‘other crime’—a vague category that may include nuisance offences—requires closer scrutiny.

April 2024 saw a 50% increase in shoplifting, with 105 incidents reported—marking the highest monthly total for this category in recent records. This surge may reflect Easter-related retail activity. Conversely, theft from the person fell by 92.9%, from 14 to 1 case, a drop consistent with reduced tourist footfall during the Easter break. Violence and sexual offences remained the most common crime type, accounting for 30.2% of total incidents, but this category was 26% below the UK average. Vehicle crime, at 0.3 per 1,000, was 36% below the UK average—a figure that may reflect Chichester’s limited car ownership compared to urban centres. Other crime rose by 60%, from 15 to 24 cases, though this category’s UK average is only 0.2 per 1,000, suggesting a localised issue requiring further analysis.

Chichester's crime rate in April 2024 dropped by 5.1% compared to March, falling from 6.5 to 6.2 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with the local authority’s focus on community engagement initiatives during the Easter period. On a daily basis, 27 crimes were reported each day in April—a figure that, while consistent with previous months, remains lower than the UK average. When scaled to the population, the monthly exposure translates to one reported crime for every 162 residents, a statistic that contextualises risk in terms of personal likelihood. This rate is 19.5% below the UK average, a gap that reflects Chichester’s relatively stable environment compared to more densely populated areas. The town’s coastal geography and lower population density may contribute to this disparity. The reduction in theft from the person by 92.9%—from 14 to 1 case—suggests a possible seasonal effect, with fewer tourists in April than during peak summer months.