Chichester Crime Rate December 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Chichester's December 2025 crime rate of 5.5 per 1,000 residents marked a 21.4% reduction compared to the UK average of 7.0, a figure that underscores the area's overall safety profile. The crime mix reflected a combination of seasonal and local factors, with violence and sexual offences (236 incidents, 33.1% of total) emerging as the most prevalent category. This was closely followed by anti-social behaviour (141 cases, 19.8%) and shoplifting (73 instances, 10.2%), which together accounted for over half of all reported crimes. The seasonal context of December—characterised by Christmas shopping, extended evenings, and the holiday season—likely contributed to the persistence of retail-related offences such as shoplifting, while also creating conditions that may have heightened interpersonal tensions. Violence and sexual offences in Chichester were 30% below the UK average, a discrepancy that may be partially explained by the town's relatively low population density and the presence of community-focused policing initiatives. However, the 18% increase in anti-social behaviour compared to the UK average raises questions about the effectiveness of current strategies in managing festive-period disruptions, particularly in areas with high foot traffic or alcohol consumption. The overall crime rate, while lower than the national average, still reflects the challenges of maintaining public order in a town with a mix of residential, commercial, and tourist-oriented spaces, where the convergence of seasonal activity and local demographics can create unique crime dynamics.

December 2025 saw notable shifts in crime patterns, with three categories increasing by over 50%: other crime (+100%), possession of weapons (+57.1%), and robbery (+50%). These rises contrast with sharp declines in theft from the person (-57.1%), criminal damage and arson (-34.2%), and public order offences (-32.4%). The balance between property and violent crime remained relatively even, with property crimes (244) narrowly outpacing violent crimes (236). This near parity may reflect the dual impact of the festive season, where both retail activity and social gatherings create distinct risk profiles. Anti-social behaviour, which rose 18% above the UK average, was particularly concentrated in residential areas, suggesting a possible link to holiday-related tensions or increased alcohol consumption. Residents may find the 23 crimes per day figure most immediately relevant, as it provides a daily benchmark for assessing personal safety in the context of local crime trends.

Chichester's crime rate in December 2025 fell to 5.5 per 1,000 residents, a 6.7% decrease from the previous month's 5.9. This decline aligns with the typical seasonal pattern observed in similar areas during the winter holidays, where increased community vigilance and reduced public activity may contribute to lower crime rates. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of 23 crimes per day, a figure that translates to one reported crime for every 181 residents over the course of the month. This monthly exposure rate provides a tangible measure of the likelihood of encountering crime, offering residents a clear context for assessing personal risk. While Chichester's overall rate remains 21.4% below the UK average, the daily crime count highlights the persistent need for local law enforcement engagement and community safety initiatives. The population-scaled perspective further illustrates that, despite the lower rate, the absolute number of crimes remains a concern for a town of 128,934 residents, particularly in densely populated areas such as the town centre and surrounding suburbs.