Selsey Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Selsey's crime rate in February 2026 stood at 4.3 per 1,000, a figure that is 32.8% below the UK average of 6.4. This marked safety record is driven by the dominance of violence and sexual offences, which accounted for 40.4% of all crimes, a share that is 27% lower than the UK average. The second most common category, criminal damage and arson, saw a 139% disparity compared to the UK average, highlighting a localised concentration of property-related offences. The winter month context—characterised by low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may have contributed to the relatively low overall rate, though the 300% surge in criminal damage and arson suggests other factors at play. Selsey's coastal location and built-up area status likely shape its crime profile, with limited commercial density and seasonal tourism patterns potentially influencing both violent and property crime trends. The absence of significant increases in theft from the person or vehicle crime further distinguishes Selsey from larger urban centres, where such offences are more common. This data aligns with Selsey's historical position as a relatively safe built-up area within Chichester, where community-focused policing and low population density may contribute to its consistently low crime rates.

Criminal damage and arson cases in Selsey rose 300% from January to February 2026, jumping from 3 to 12 incidents. This surge, while notable, remains a stark contrast to the 139% UK average for this category, indicating a localised spike in property-related offences. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 40.4% of all crimes, a share that is 27% below the UK average, suggesting a lower incidence of violent crime relative to national trends. The doubling of public order offences and other thefts—both rising 100%—reflects a shift in crime patterns that may be influenced by seasonal factors such as the pre-spring lull. For residents, the daily crime count of 2 incidents per day provides a tangible benchmark for understanding local safety levels, even as the overall rate remains significantly below the UK average.

Selsey's crime rate in February 2026 rose 34.6% compared to January's 3.2 per 1,000, marking the first increase in the past six months. Daily crime activity averaged 2 incidents per day, a figure that aligns with the area's generally low crime profile despite recent spikes. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 232 residents, a statistic that underscores the relatively safe environment compared to larger urban centres. The population-scaled perspective reveals that even with the 300% surge in criminal damage and arson, the overall rate remains 32.8% below the UK average. This contrast highlights Selsey's unique position as a coastal built-up area where seasonal factors and community dynamics may temper broader national trends. The 34.6% month-on-month rise, while significant, has not yet translated to a departure from the area's historical safety record, which has consistently placed it below the UK average for over a decade.