Chichester Crime Rate August 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Chichester's overall crime rate of 6.9 per 1,000 residents in August 2025 positions it 14.8% below the UK average, a distinction that reflects the area's unique socio-economic and geographical profile. As a historic coastal town with a mix of residential, tourist, and commercial zones, Chichester's crime pattern is shaped by seasonal rhythms and local demographics. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 30.6% of all crimes, a category where the local rate is 27% below the UK average. This suggests that while violent crime remains a concern, its incidence is lower than in many other parts of the country. Anti-social behaviour, however, stands out as a category where Chichester's rate is 23% above the UK average, a discrepancy that may be attributed to the town's dense population in certain areas and the challenges of managing public spaces during the summer tourist season. Public order offences also exceed the UK average by 3%, a trend that could be linked to the increased foot traffic in the town centre during August. The seasonal context of August—peak holiday month with higher visitor numbers—may explain some of the fluctuations, though the overall crime rate remains significantly lower than the national benchmark. The data also reveals a stark contrast in property crime trends: burglary rates are 26% below the UK average, while bicycle theft has surged to 186% above the national rate. This anomaly may reflect the town's infrastructure, where cycling is a popular mode of transport but security measures for parked bikes remain limited. The interplay between these factors illustrates a complex picture where Chichester's crime profile is both safer than the UK average in key areas and faces specific challenges in others.

August saw a 61.5% increase in bicycle theft, rising from 13 to 21 incidents. This surge may be linked to the influx of holiday cyclists and the area's coastal tourism infrastructure, which attracts both visitors and recreational riders. Conversely, drug-related crimes fell by two-thirds compared to July, potentially reflecting reduced illicit activity during the summer months. Robbery incidents also dropped by 57.1%, a decline that aligns with the seasonal pattern of lower street-level crime during peak holiday periods. Anti-social behaviour remains 23% above the UK average, a persistent challenge that contrasts with the area's overall safety profile. The drop in vehicle crime by 49% compared to the UK average highlights the effectiveness of local policing strategies in protecting parked vehicles, due to the town's compact layout and visible security measures in key areas.

Chichester's crime rate in August 2025 dropped by 12.1% compared to July, reflecting a continued downward trend. With 29 crimes reported daily, the pace of criminal activity remains slower than the UK average but shows a marked improvement from the previous month. Over the course of August, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 145 residents, illustrating the relatively low exposure to crime in this area. This monthly aggregate suggests that while crime is not absent, its frequency is significantly lower than the national average. The population context further highlights this: for every 1,000 residents, only 6.9 crimes were recorded, a figure that underscores Chichester's position as a safer local authority compared to the UK as a whole. The drop in drug-related crimes and robberies may align with seasonal factors, such as reduced illicit activity during peak tourist months. However, the persistence of anti-social behaviour above the UK average indicates areas where community-focused interventions could still be beneficial.