West Wittering Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in West Wittering

West Wittering, with a population of 1,358, records an overall crime rate of 28.0 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is substantially lower than the UK average of 93.1 crimes per 1,000, contributing to its excellent safety score of 92 out of 100, well above the UK average of 78. Furthermore, the area has experienced a decreasing trend in crime, with a 19.1% reduction year-over-year. This introduction provides a comprehensive overview of West Wittering's crime statistics, laying the groundwork for a detailed analysis of specific crime types, trends, and safety recommendations.

Crime Type Analysis in West Wittering

In West Wittering, violence and sexual offences are the most common crime type, accounting for a significant 50.0% of all reported incidents, with 19 crimes recorded (14.0 per 1,000 residents). Other theft follows, making up 21.1% (8 incidents, 5.9 per 1,000), while anti-social behaviour is the third most prevalent at 13.2% (5 incidents, 3.7 per 1,000). Property-related crime, encompassing burglary, theft, and vehicle crime, stands at a low 9.6 per 1,000 people, significantly below the UK average of 32.9 per 1,000. For residents, while the overall property crime rate is low, personal safety related to violence remains a key consideration.

Crime Trends in West Wittering

West Wittering has experienced a positive decreasing crime trend, with a 19.1% reduction in overall crime year-over-year. Monthly trend data reveals fluctuations throughout the year. For instance, crime rates per 1,000 residents saw peaks in July and October (both 4.4), while several months, including November, June, and December, recorded very low rates of 0.7 and 1.5. This downward trajectory, combined with generally low monthly figures, suggests that West Wittering is becoming a safer place to live, offering reassurance to its residents.

How To Keep Safe in West Wittering

With violence and sexual offences being the most prevalent crime type in West Wittering, accounting for 50.0% of all offences, personal safety is crucial.

1. Be aware of your surroundings: Always stay alert, especially when walking alone or in dimly lit areas.
2. Travel in groups: If possible, avoid walking alone at night and use well-lit, busy routes.
3. Secure your home: Ensure your property is well-lit and consider robust locks and an alarm system to deter potential intruders.
4. Report suspicious activity: Promptly inform the police about any concerning behaviour or incidents you witness.
5. Trust your instincts: If a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself from it.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in West Wittering

Crime patterns in West Wittering show distinct variations throughout the day. Morning hours (6am-12pm) are dominated by theft (76%). The afternoon (12pm-6pm) also sees a high proportion of theft at 75%. In the evening (6pm-12am), "Other" crimes become more prominent at 35%, with theft reducing to 45%. Night-time (12am-6am) indicates a significant increase in burglary (33%) and "Other" crimes (35%), highlighting specific risks during these hours.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

West Wittering's crime rate of 28.0 per 1,000 people is considerably lower than many of its neighbours. Shipton Green and West Itchenor both report 0.0 crimes per 1,000, indicating extremely low crime levels. Birdham has a higher rate of 38.5 per 1,000, and East Wittering reports a significantly higher rate of 62.6 per 1,000. This regional comparison highlights West Wittering's relatively safe position, particularly when contrasted with larger neighbouring settlements.

Enhancing Your Property Protection in West Wittering

With West Wittering's property crime rate at a remarkably low 9.6 per 1,000, significantly below the UK average, residents enjoy a very secure environment. However, even in safe areas, proactive security is valuable. Traditional security systems often only record events, providing footage after a crime has occurred. For truly proactive protection, consider an AI-powered system like scOS. This advanced security operating system detects threats at the property boundary, preventing intrusions before they happen. By watching all cameras simultaneously and learning your routines, scOS differentiates between genuine threats and everyday activities, ensuring you're only alerted when necessary. Its autonomous response, including lights and audio, is designed to destroy the element of surprise, making burglars move on, providing peace of mind for West Wittering residents.