Chichester Crime Rate May 2025 | Monthly Statistics

For a population of 128,934, Chichester recorded 933 crimes in May 2025, translating to a crime rate of 7.2 per 1,000 residents. This figure is 11.1% below the UK average of 8.1 per 1,000, marking Chichester as one of the safer areas in the country. The crime profile reflects a mix of urban and suburban dynamics, with violence and sexual offences emerging as the most prevalent category, accounting for 28.9% of all reported crimes. Anti-social behaviour (18.7%) and shoplifting (9.7%) follow closely, illustrating the impact of local social and economic factors. Seasonal context in May—characterised by longer evenings, increased outdoor drinking, and socialising—likely contributes to higher rates of violence and public order offences. The area's character as a historic coastal town with a mix of residential and commercial zones may explain the balance between property crimes and violent incidents. While shoplifting rates remain slightly above the UK average, other thefts and vehicle crime align closely with national trends, suggesting a generally stable environment. The lower-than-average drug-related crime (64% below UK levels) could indicate effective local policing or community initiatives, though this remains speculative without further data.

May 2025 saw notable fluctuations in crime types, with robbery and theft from the person experiencing sharp increases. Robbery rates surged by 600%, rising from one incident to seven, while theft from the person rose by 133.3%, from three to seven. These jumps may reflect heightened vulnerability during late evening hours or specific events. Conversely, anti-social behaviour decreased by 11.2%, possibly due to seasonal changes or targeted interventions. Burglary also rose significantly, increasing by 74.1% (27 to 47), which is 43% above the UK average. This discrepancy could signal a need for enhanced property security measures in high-risk areas. Drugs-related crime fell by 29.2%, aligning with a UK-wide trend. Shoplifting, while down 11.8% (from 102 to 90), still sits 4% above the UK average, highlighting persistent challenges in retail crime prevention. The mix of crime types—violent incidents dominating over property crimes—suggests a combination of local demographics and environmental factors, requiring tailored strategies for long-term reduction.

The crime rate in Chichester rose by 4.5% from 6.9 per 1,000 in April to 7.2 per 1,000 in May, reflecting a modest upward trend. This translates to approximately 30 crimes reported each day, a figure that, while relatively low, underscores the need for continuous monitoring. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 138 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is lower than the UK average but not significantly so. When scaled to Chichester's population, this means that the likelihood of being directly affected by crime remains proportionally lower than in many other areas. However, the 43% increase in burglary rates compared to the UK average highlights a specific vulnerability that may require targeted action. The daily crime count, while manageable, serves as a reminder that even in safer areas, vigilance and community engagement are essential. The population context—128,934 residents—further illustrates that the impact of crime is distributed across a relatively large base, though localised spikes in certain categories demand focused attention.