Worthing Crime Rate

Worthing is a stable and relatively secure local authority area, boasting a safety score of 79/100, which is just above the UK average of 78. The district's overall crime rate stands at 93.7 per 1,000 residents, a figure that aligns closely with the national average of 93.1. Most notably, crime in Worthing has remained stable over the past year, with a minor decrease of 2.5%. While property crime is a factor, particularly in the town's busy retail sectors, the residential areas generally maintain a safe environment. The following report provides a detailed breakdown of crime types, analyses monthly trends, and offers practical safety advice to help the residents and business owners of Worthing stay informed and secure.

Worthing is a large seaside town and local authority district in West Sussex, characterised by a mix of historic coastal charm and modern residential areas. Its economy is driven by tourism, retail, and a growing service sector, with the seafront and town centre acting as major hubs for activity. The area attracts a significant number of visitors, particularly during the summer months, which can influence local crime statistics. Worthing also serves as a transport hub with strong rail links to London and Brighton. The population is a blend of long-term residents, retirees, and young professionals, creating a diverse demographic profile. These factors, combined with the town's role as a regional commercial centre, contribute to its crime rate, particularly regarding retail-related offences and anti-social behaviour in high-footfall areas.

In Worthing, violence and sexual offences represent the most significant portion of reported crime, accounting for 32.6% of the total. Shoplifting is the second most frequent offence at 16.6%, followed closely by anti-social behaviour at 16.1%. These figures reflect the challenges typical of a major coastal town with a busy commercial centre and active nightlife.

Property-related crime, including burglary, robbery, theft, and vehicle crime, carries a rate of 34.5 per 1,000 people, which is slightly above the UK average of 32.9. Within this category, shoplifting is the primary driver, but 'other theft' (4.6%) and vehicle crime (4.0%) are also notable. Burglary remains relatively low at 2.0% of total crime. For residents and business owners, this indicates that while the risk of home invasion is lower than in many urban areas, opportunistic theft and retail crime are more prevalent. Securing businesses and ensuring personal belongings are protected in public spaces are essential priorities for the Worthing community.

The crime trend in Worthing is currently stable, with a minor 2.5% decrease in total offences compared to the previous year. This indicates a consistent safety profile for the community. Monthly trendData shows that the crime rate per 1,000 people fluctuated throughout the year, with rates starting at 7.1 in November 2024 and reaching a peak of 8.7 in September 2025. Other high-activity months included July (8.5) and August (8.6). Conversely, the winter months saw lower rates, with November, December, and February all recording 7.1 per 1,000. These fluctuations suggest that crime in Worthing may be influenced by seasonal factors, such as increased tourism during the summer and autumn. The overall stable trend indicates that Worthing remains a consistent and relatively secure area for its residents.

Worthing serves as a major urban hub in West Sussex, and its crime rate of 93.7 per 1,000 reflects its status as a regional commercial centre. When compared to the wider region, Worthing's safety score of 79/100 is competitive, offering a secure environment relative to other large coastal towns. Nearby local authorities like Adur, Arun, and Brighton and Hove provide context for the region, but Worthing remains a primary choice for those seeking a balance of coastal living and urban amenities. These comparisons highlight Worthing as a stable and reliable community within the West Sussex area.

With a property crime rate of 34.5 per 1,000 people, Worthing residents and business owners should consider a more advanced security strategy. Traditional CCTV systems and doorbell cameras are reactive; they record a crime as it happens but do little to stop it. In a busy town like Worthing, where shoplifting and opportunistic theft are common, preventing an intruder from reaching your property is crucial.

scOS provides an AI-powered home security operating system that actively prevents crime. By using multi-camera intelligence to monitor your property boundaries in real-time, scOS can identify potential threats before they escalate. If an intruder is detected, the system can trigger autonomous responses, such as activating lights or engaging speakers, to deter them immediately. For Worthing homeowners, scOS offers professional-grade protection that destroys the element of surprise for opportunists. Proactive detection is the most effective way to protect your home and business in an area where property crime is a consistent factor.

How To Keep Safe in Worthing

The most common crime in Worthing is violence and sexual offences (32.6%), followed by shoplifting (16.6%) and anti-social behaviour (16.1%). While the area is generally safe, these tips can help you stay secure.

1. Be Aware in the Town Centre: Shoplifting and anti-social behaviour are most common in high-footfall areas. When shopping or enjoying the seafront, keep your personal belongings secure and stay mindful of your surroundings.
2. Safe Evenings Out: If you are out in the evening, stick to well-lit main roads and avoid poorly lit shortcuts or isolated areas. Worthing's nightlife is active, so staying in groups can enhance your personal safety.
3. Business Loss Prevention: For local business owners, ensure your security systems are up to date and staff are trained in identifying suspicious behaviour to mitigate the high rate of shoplifting.
4. Vehicle Security: Although vehicle crime is relatively low, always lock your car and ensure no valuables are left on display, especially in public car parks near the seafront.
5. Report Concerns: Always report suspicious activity or anti-social behaviour to the local police. Timely reporting helps them identify crime patterns and allocate patrols effectively across the district.