Chichester Crime Rate May 2024 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 128,934, Chichester’s 770 reported crimes in May 2024 equate to 6.0 crimes per 1,000 residents — 28.6% below the UK average of 8.4. This rate, though modest, reflects a combination of local dynamics and seasonal factors. Violence and sexual offences (244 cases) dominated the crime profile, accounting for 31.7% of total incidents, followed by anti-social behaviour (152 cases, 19.7%) and shoplifting (69 cases, 9.0%). The dominance of violent crime over property crime contrasts with some urban centres, where property offences often lead. May’s longer evenings and bank holidays may partly explain the elevated rates of violence and anti-social behaviour, as outdoor drinking and socialising increase. However, Chichester’s lower-than-average rates for shoplifting and vehicle crime suggest effective local deterrents, tied to its character as a historic market town with a mix of residential and commercial zones. The seasonal context also aligns with lower burglary rates (19 cases), which may reflect reduced outdoor activity during the day. While direct causal links, the interplay of geography, demographics, and timing likely contributes to the observed patterns.

May 2024 saw sharp fluctuations in specific crime categories. Theft from the person surged by 300%, rising from 1 to 4 incidents, while bicycle theft increased by 75% (4 to 7). Robbery also rose by 33.3% (3 to 4), though these remain low compared to UK averages. Conversely, possession of weapons fell by 63.6% (11 to 4), and burglary dropped by 40.6% (32 to 19), suggesting potential success in targeted interventions. Chichester’s violent crime rate (1.9 per 1,000) is 33% below the UK average for this category, consistent with its lower-than-average rates for public order offences (21% below) and criminal damage (19% below). Anti-social behaviour remains a persistent issue, contributing 19.7% of all crimes — a figure that could inform local policing strategies. For residents, the 300% jump in theft from the person highlights the importance of personal security measures, particularly in public spaces during late evenings.

Chichester’s crime rate in May 2024 (6.0 per 1,000) represents a 3.4% decline from April’s 6.2, indicating a slight downward trend. On a daily basis, 25 crimes were reported each day — a figure that contextualises the scale of activity within the local population. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 167 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Chichester among the safer areas in the UK. When compared to the UK average, Chichester’s performance is striking: its violent crime rate is 33% below the national average, and vehicle crime is 36% lower, suggesting effective community policing or environmental factors. However, the 18% above-average rate for 'other crime' (31 cases) may signal underreported or less visible issues. For residents, the 1-in-167 monthly exposure rate offers reassurance, though the 300% spike in theft from the person underscores the need for vigilance in high-traffic areas. These figures, when viewed alongside Chichester’s historic character and relatively low population density, illustrate a town where crime remains manageable but not absent.