Petworth Crime Rate

Crime statistics for Petworth, within Chichester, reveal a crime rate of 66.8 per 1,000 residents between January 2025 and December 2025. This is lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, indicating a relatively safer environment. However, a significant increase of 40.1% year-on-year demonstrates a concerning upward trend. Examining the data month by month, crime rates fluctuated; while February saw a low of 4.0 per 1,000, April peaked at 9.1 per 1,000. This volatility highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and responsive preventative measures. Understanding the specifics of reported crimes is crucial for targeted interventions.

The most prevalent crimes reported in Petworth between January 2025 and December 2025 were anti-social behaviour (61 incidents), violence and sexual offences (58 incidents), and criminal damage and arson (26 incidents). Overall property crime in Petworth stands at 24.0 incidents per 1,000 residents, representing a significant portion of the total reported crime. While this figure is lower than the UK average of 91.6 per 1,000, the concentration of specific crime types warrants attention. The incidence of shoplifting (8 incidents) and burglary (7 incidents) also contribute to the property crime landscape, highlighting potential vulnerabilities within the community. Understanding the underlying factors, such as the area's demographics and local activities, is crucial for developing targeted crime prevention strategies. The relatively small population of Petworth (3291) may also influence the statistical representation of crime rates.

The significant 40.1% year-on-year increase in crime rates within Petworth is a concerning trend. Monthly data reveals fluctuations, with April experiencing a peak of 9.1 incidents per 1,000 residents. While February saw a low of 4.0 per 1,000, the overall upward trajectory necessitates proactive measures. The data for January 2025 registered 5.8 per 1,000, escalating to 9.1 in April and experiencing further volatility throughout the remainder of the year. This requires a careful examination of contributing factors and targeted intervention strategies to mitigate the risk and ensure the safety of the community.

How To Keep Safe in Petworth

Given the prevalence of anti-social behaviour and violence and sexual offences, consider these tips: Be aware of your surroundings, especially during the evening. Travel in well-lit areas and with a companion whenever possible. Secure your property thoroughly, including windows and doors. Report any suspicious activity to the police immediately. Consider joining or supporting neighbourhood watch schemes to foster a sense of community and shared responsibility. Finally, be mindful of your personal belongings in public spaces to mitigate the risk of theft.

Crime in Petworth demonstrates varying patterns throughout the day. Burglary incidents are most frequently reported during the afternoon (14%) and night (13%). Violence tends to concentrate in the evening (11%), while vehicle crime is most prevalent during the night (47%). Theft shows a more dispersed pattern throughout the day, but is most common during the afternoon (49%). Overall, the evening and night periods see a higher proportion of incidents, suggesting a need for increased vigilance during these hours.

When compared to similar areas, Petworth's crime rate stands out. Fittleworth has a significantly lower rate of 31.5 per 1,000, while Lodsworth and Graffham report no incidents at all. Sutton (Chichester) also boasts a rate of 0.0 per 1,000. These comparisons underscore that while Petworth is not inherently unsafe, its current crime rate is comparatively higher than some of its immediate neighbours, warranting further investigation and targeted preventative measures.

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