Chichester Crime Rate September 2025 | Monthly Statistics

The crime profile in Chichester during September 2025 reveals a distinct balance between violent and property-related offences, shaped by the area’s character and seasonal rhythms. With a crime rate of 5.8 per 1,000 residents—21.6% below the UK average—the local authority district demonstrates a safer-than-average environment. The most prevalent category was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 29.4% of all crimes, a figure 34% below the UK average for this category. This suggests a lower incidence of severe violence compared to the national picture, though the proportion of violent crimes remains significant relative to other areas. Anti-social behaviour, the second most common category (23.7% of total crimes), exceeded the UK average by 20%, reflecting patterns often seen in towns with active community spaces or mixed-use areas. Shoplifting, at 10.6% of total crimes, was slightly below the UK average, consistent with the retail environment in Chichester, which may include smaller shops or less high-traffic commercial zones. The seasonal context of September—marked by the return of students to university and the start of the academic year—may partly explain the emphasis on violent and anti-social crimes, as social interactions in new environments can sometimes lead to conflicts. However, the absence of a sharp spike in property crimes, such as burglary or vehicle crime, which were both significantly below UK averages, suggests that Chichester’s residential and commercial areas may be well-secured or have effective policing strategies. The data also highlights the role of local factors in shaping crime trends, with the town’s mix of historic architecture, tourist attractions, and commuter suburbs likely influencing the types of offences reported.

September 2025 saw notable shifts in crime patterns compared to August, with some categories rising sharply while others declined. Drug-related offences increased by 85.7%, from 7 to 13 incidents, marking a significant jump that may reflect changes in local drug distribution networks or heightened police visibility in certain areas. Robbery also rose by 66.7%, from 6 to 10 cases, a trend that could be linked to the influx of students and visitors during the freshers’ period. Conversely, bicycle theft fell by 52.4%, from 21 to 10, due to increased awareness campaigns or the use of better-secured bike racks near universities and colleges. Vehicle crime also dropped by 41.7%, from 24 to 14, which might be attributed to improved parking security or fewer late-night activities in residential areas. The crime mix in Chichester remained distinct from the UK average, particularly in categories like anti-social behaviour and bicycle theft. While anti-social behaviour was 20% above the UK average, bicycle theft was 43% above, highlighting specific vulnerabilities in local infrastructure or community dynamics. These variations underscore the importance of tailoring local policing efforts to address the unique challenges of Chichester, such as managing anti-social behaviour in public spaces and enhancing bike storage solutions for students and commuters.

Chichester’s crime rate in September 2025 fell to 5.8 per 1,000 residents, a 15.3% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 6.9 per 1,000. This decline, while modest, suggests a stabilising trend in local crime dynamics. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 25 crimes per day—a figure that, while informative, should be contextualised within the town’s population of 128,934. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 171 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is relatively low compared to many urban areas but may still concern local residents. When viewed through the lens of population size, Chichester’s crime statistics indicate that the town is performing well relative to its demographic profile, though the above-average rates for anti-social behaviour and bicycle theft suggest that specific interventions may be necessary. The previous month’s rate of 6.9 per 1,000 provides a useful benchmark, showing that the downward trend in September was consistent with broader efforts to reduce crime. However, the monthly exposure figure of 1-in-171 residents also highlights the importance of maintaining vigilance, as even a relatively low crime rate can have tangible impacts on community safety and perceptions of security. These statistics, when combined with the detailed breakdown of crime types, offer a comprehensive view of how Chichester compares to both its own historical trends and the national picture.