Chichester Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Chichester's crime profile in November 2024, accounting for 35% of all reported crimes. With a crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000 residents, the area recorded 23.7% fewer crimes than the UK average of 7.6 per 1,000. This marked contrast to national trends reflects Chichester's unique demographic and geographic profile as a historic market town with a mix of residential, retail, and educational zones. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 14.4%, while shoplifting accounted for 11.6% of total crimes. The seasonal context of November—marked by Bonfire Night celebrations, Black Friday shopping, and shorter daylight hours—likely contributed to patterns in violent and property crimes. The lower-than-average rates for anti-social behaviour and public order offences may indicate effective local policing strategies or community engagement initiatives. Shoplifting rates in Chichester remained slightly above the UK average for this category, suggesting that retail areas in the town centre may still require targeted interventions. The overall crime profile shows a balanced mix of violent and property crimes, with no single category overwhelming the statistics. This pattern is consistent with Chichester's character as a medium-sized town where commercial activity and social interactions intersect in ways that both generate and mitigate crime opportunities.

November 2024 saw a 350% increase in theft from the person, rising from 2 to 9 incidents—a dramatic shift that may reflect heightened awareness during the Christmas shopping season or changes in policing focus. Bicycle theft also rose by 33.3%, from 9 to 12 cases, potentially linked to the influx of students and commuters during term time. Conversely, robbery incidents fell by 75% compared to the previous month, dropping from 4 to 1, indicating possible success in targeted crime prevention efforts. Chichester's performance against UK averages revealed striking contrasts: violence and sexual offences were 22% below the national rate, while bicycle theft was 43% above the UK average. This divergence highlights the town's unique challenges, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or limited secure parking for cyclists. The decrease in drugs-related offences—47.6% from 21 to 11 cases—suggests potential improvements in local drug enforcement or shifts in illicit activity patterns. These month-on-month changes underscore the dynamic nature of crime in Chichester, where seasonal events and local initiatives can significantly influence crime trends. For residents, the 350% spike in theft from the person serves as a clear reminder to remain vigilant during periods of increased foot traffic and commercial activity.

Chichester's crime rate in November 2024 fell by 6.0% compared to the previous month's rate of 6.1 per 1,000 residents, marking a sustained decline in overall criminal activity. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 25 crimes per day—equivalent to roughly one crime for every 174 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure figure provides context for residents: within any given month, a typical Chichester resident has a 1-in-174 chance of being directly affected by a reported crime. When compared to the UK average, this rate is significantly lower, reflecting the town's relatively safe environment despite its mix of urban and rural characteristics. The population-scaled perspective reveals that Chichester's crime prevention efforts may be more effective than average, particularly in reducing violent crime and anti-social behaviour. However, the slight elevation in bicycle theft compared to the UK average suggests that specific areas—such as the town's university campuses or commuter routes—require focused attention. This comparative analysis highlights both the successes and ongoing challenges in maintaining public safety, with the town's lower-than-average rates for most crime categories serving as a benchmark for other areas to consider.