Chichester Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Chichester's crime rate for February 2026 stood at 5.6 per 1,000 residents, marking a 12.5% deficit compared to the UK average of 6.4. This performance reflects a combination of seasonal factors and the district's unique demographic profile. Violence and sexual offences, the most prevalent category, accounted for 32.1% of all reported crimes, yet this rate remained 22% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour, at 1.4 per 1,000, emerged as the second most common category, though its 54% excess over the national average indicates a persistent challenge in maintaining community order. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with limited outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—likely contributes to the lower overall crime rate. However, the mix of crime types suggests a combination of local conditions and broader trends. Shoplifting, for instance, recorded 0.5 per 1,000, a 14% deficit below the UK average, which may be attributable to Chichester's retail environment and the town's historic character, where foot traffic is more dispersed. Public order offences, at 0.4 per 1,000, fell 2% below the UK average, a minor but consistent deviation that could reflect the area's quieter social dynamics. The data also highlights that vehicle crime in Chichester is 43% below the UK average, due to the town's lower density and fewer high-traffic zones. These patterns, while shaped by the winter season, also reflect enduring characteristics of Chichester as a coastal district with a strong community presence and limited urban sprawl.

February 2026 saw a 13.8% decrease in violence and sexual offences, the most common crime type, from 268 to 231 incidents. This decline aligns with the seasonal lull typical of winter months, when outdoor activity is lower and social gatherings are more limited. Conversely, robbery incidents doubled from 2 to 4, a 100% increase that may reflect the unpredictable nature of targeted crimes in low-traffic areas. Drug-related crimes also surged by 100%, rising from 11 to 22, a shift that could indicate changes in local patterns or enforcement focus. Burglary rates fell by 50% compared to January, likely due to seasonal factors such as reduced holiday periods and shorter daylight hours deterring intrusions. Anti-social behaviour remained 54% above the UK average at 1.4 per 1,000, a persistent challenge in residential areas. The 150% increase in bicycle theft compared to the UK average highlights a specific vulnerability in Chichester, linked to the town's historic infrastructure and cycling routes.

Chichester's crime rate in February 2026 rose 11.6% from 5.0 to 5.6 per 1,000 residents compared to January 2026.5% below the UK average. Daily crime counts averaged 26 incidents per day, a figure that contextualises the pace of reported crime in the district. Over the course of February, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 179 residents, a monthly exposure rate that places Chichester in a lower bracket than the UK average for most categories. This population-scaled perspective suggests that while the rate has increased slightly from the previous month, the overall burden of crime on residents remains relatively modest. The district's population of 128,934 means that even with 719 total crimes, the distribution across the area is diluted compared to more densely populated urban centres. This lower density, combined with Chichester's coastal and historic character, likely contributes to the comparatively lower crime rates observed in most categories.