Chichester Crime Rate January 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Chichester's overall crime rate in January 2025 stood at 5.8 crimes per 1,000 residents, placing it 18.3% below the UK average of 7.1. This figure reflects a combination of local characteristics and seasonal patterns, with the post-holiday period and reduced retail activity likely contributing to the relatively low crime levels. Violence and sexual offences accounted for the largest share of incidents (34.5%), followed by anti-social behaviour (14.2%) and shoplifting (9.0%). These figures align with Chichester's profile as a coastal town with a mix of residential and commercial areas, where community policing efforts and the absence of major urban hubs may help maintain lower crime rates. The seasonal context of January—marked by shorter days and reduced foot traffic in retail centres—may have influenced patterns, with violent crimes remaining below the UK average despite the month-on-month increase. Anti-social behaviour, though still below the UK average, showed a consistent presence, suggesting ongoing challenges in managing public order. The relatively low rates of property crimes, particularly vehicle crime (27% below UK average) and burglary (33% below UK average), may be attributed to Chichester's compact urban layout and the presence of local amenities that reduce the need for long-distance crime. This data illustrates a community with generally low crime levels, though specific categories like weapon possession remain areas requiring closer attention.

January 2025 saw sharp increases in three specific crime categories. Robbery incidents tripled, rising from one to three, a 200% increase that may reflect heightened vulnerability in certain areas during the post-holiday period. Bicycle theft also surged by 83.3%, jumping from six to 11 incidents, a trend consistent with seasonal patterns where colder weather drives increased indoor activity and potential theft opportunities. Most striking was the 75% rise in possession of weapons, increasing from eight to 14 cases—a figure that is 67% above the UK average. This anomaly contrasts with other categories, such as drugs offences, which fell by 31.6% to 13 cases from 19 in December. The violent crime category, accounting for 34.5% of all incidents, remained 20% below the UK average, suggesting Chichester's approach to community safety may be yielding positive results in this area. The sharp divergence between weapon possession and other crime types highlights the need for targeted interventions in specific subcategories.

Chichester's crime rate in January 2025 rose by 13.1% compared to December 2024, reflecting a shift from 5.1 to 5.8 crimes per 1,000 residents. While this increase is notable, the daily crime count remains relatively low at 24 incidents per day, a figure consistent with the area's historical trends. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 173 residents, highlighting the relatively low frequency of incidents in a community of 128,934 people. This monthly exposure rate is particularly significant when contextualised against the local population, as it underscores the rarity of crime in everyday interactions. The rise in overall crime contrasts with the area's generally low rates, which have historically positioned Chichester below the UK average. This shift may be influenced by seasonal factors, such as the post-holiday period and reduced retail footfall, which can sometimes correlate with changes in criminal activity patterns.