Chichester Crime Rate April 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In April 2025, Chichester's crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 residents placed it 10.4% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000. This lower rate, combined with the town's seasonal context—Easter holidays and spring weather—offers a nuanced picture of everyday risk. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 31% of all crimes, followed by anti-social behaviour (21.9%) and shoplifting (11.4%). The dominance of violent crimes in the breakdown reflects the town's demographic profile as a commuter hub and coastal resort, where higher population density and transient populations may contribute to elevated levels of interpersonal conflict. Anti-social behaviour, which rose by 12.6% compared to March, is particularly concentrated in areas with high foot traffic, such as the town centre and transport corridors. Shoplifting, though a smaller proportion of total crimes, has seen a 20% increase, likely tied to the Easter shopping period and the presence of retail outlets in the area. The overall rate remains stable, suggesting that local policing strategies and community initiatives have effectively mitigated broader trends. However, the rise in anti-social behaviour and criminal damage points to potential challenges in managing public spaces and addressing underlying social issues. For residents, the per-capita perspective translates to a 0.7% chance of being directly involved in a crime, a figure that, while low, underscores the importance of situational awareness and community involvement in maintaining safety.

April 2025 saw a 47.4% increase in criminal damage and arson, rising from 57 to 84 incidents. This spike may partly explain the 11.4% share of total crimes attributed to shoplifting, which itself rose 20% from March. Conversely, robbery rates fell 75% to just one incident, a stark contrast to the previous month's four. The crime mix shifted with anti-social behaviour (196 incidents) and shoplifting (102) dominating, while violent crimes (277) remained the largest single category. Violence and sexual offences in Chichester were 16% below the UK average (2.2 vs 2.6 per 1,000), yet anti-social behaviour was 13% above the national rate (1.5 vs 1.3 per 1,000). For residents, the 12.6% rise in anti-social behaviour—often linked to late-night disturbances in public spaces—may be a practical concern for those living near nightlife areas or major transport hubs. The significant drop in robbery cases, though limited to a single incident, suggests that targeted interventions or increased police presence in high-risk areas could be contributing to this trend. Meanwhile, the sharp rise in criminal damage and arson highlights the need for further community engagement in areas prone to such incidents.

Chichester's crime rate in April 2025 remained stable at 6.9 per 1,000 residents, a 0.9% decrease from the previous month's 7.0 per 1,000. This consistency suggests no major shifts in overall crime trends. On a daily basis, 30 crimes were reported each day in April, a figure that contextualizes the rate as a routine part of life in the area. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 144 residents, a ratio that translates to a 0.7% chance of any given resident being directly involved in a crime. With a population of 128,934, the monthly exposure statistic illustrates that the majority of residents are unlikely to experience crime personally. However, the distribution of crime types—particularly the prevalence of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting—suggests that certain parts of the town may face more frequent disruptions. This daily and monthly perspective helps residents gauge risk in relation to their own experiences, while the stable rate indicates that Chichester's policing and community efforts have maintained a consistent level of safety. The town's relatively low violent crime rate compared to the UK average, coupled with its coastal and commuter town characteristics, further underscores the importance of localized factors in shaping crime patterns.