Chichester Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Chichester's crime profile in September 2024 reveals a distinct balance between violent and property crimes, shaped by the area's character as a historic town with a mix of residential, retail, and tourist activity. The overall crime rate of 6.3 per 1,000 residents places the district 18.2% below the UK average of 7.7, a consistent trend reflecting the area's relatively low levels of violent crime and property offences compared to larger urban centres. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 32% of all reported crimes, significantly lower than the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000 (2.0 per 1,000 in Chichester), likely influenced by the town's quieter streets and strong community policing presence. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common category, contributed 16.7% of crimes but remained 6% below the UK average, possibly linked to effective local initiatives addressing public order. Shoplifting, at 12.4% of total crimes, stood out as the third most prevalent category, with a rate of 0.8 per 1,000—18% above the UK average of 0.7 per 1,000. This discrepancy may be attributed to Chichester's high street retail presence, which attracts both shoppers and opportunistic offenders during peak hours. Seasonal factors in September, such as the return of students to local universities and the transition from summer to autumn, likely influenced crime patterns, with increased foot traffic contributing to higher shoplifting incidents. However, the overall stability in violent crime rates—despite the return of freshers and younger residents—suggests that the town's community-focused approach to safety has mitigated risks typically associated with university towns.

September 2024 saw notable shifts in Chichester's crime profile, with three categories showing significant month-on-month changes. Shoplifting rose by 37%, increasing from 73 to 100 incidents, a trend that may reflect the impact of back-to-school shopping and increased pedestrian activity in retail areas. This category's rate of 0.8 per 1,000 residents—18% above the UK average—highlights a vulnerability in local retail security measures, despite the town's generally low crime profile. Conversely, robbery incidents fell by 50%, dropping from 8 to 4, marking one of the most substantial decreases in the dataset. This decline aligns with the seasonal context of September, as fewer tourists and the start of the academic term may have reduced opportunities for such crimes. Anti-social behaviour also declined by 27%, falling from 185 to 135, a decrease that could be linked to the transition from summer to autumn and the reduction in outdoor events typically associated with the warmer months. Meanwhile, drug-related offences rose by 40%, increasing from 10 to 14 incidents, a figure that remains 58% below the UK average of 0.2 per 1,000. This increase, though modest in absolute terms, may warrant closer attention given its potential connection to the influx of students and the associated pressures of university life. The balance between property and violent crimes also shifted slightly, with property crimes (324) accounting for 40% of all reported incidents, compared to 32% for violent crimes—a narrower gap than in previous months, suggesting a slight increase in property-related concerns relative to violent crime.

Chichester's crime rate in September 2024 (6.3 per 1,000 residents) marked a 6.8% decrease from the previous month's rate of 6.7, a small but notable decline that aligns with the seasonal transition into autumn. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 27 crimes per day, a figure that, while relatively low, underscores the persistent need for vigilance in maintaining public safety. When contextualised by population, this translates to one reported crime occurring for roughly every 160 residents over the course of the month—a rate significantly lower than the UK average, which would equate to one in every 130 residents. This monthly exposure statistic provides a tangible measure of the risk faced by residents, highlighting Chichester's position as one of the safer areas in the UK. The town's population of 128,934 also plays a role in shaping these figures: larger communities often see higher absolute crime numbers, but Chichester's rate remains consistently below national benchmarks. This contrast is particularly evident in categories like theft from the person, which was 100% below the UK average, and drugs offences, which were 58% below the national rate. These discrepancies suggest that Chichester's unique demographic profile—characterised by a mix of historic residential areas, active retail districts, and proximity to educational institutions—creates a distinct crime environment. The town's lower levels of violent crime and property offences compared to the UK average may be influenced by factors such as its relatively compact size, strong community engagement, and the presence of local initiatives aimed at crime prevention.