Worthing Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime Statistics in Worthing

Worthing, a notable local authority district, recorded an overall crime rate of 94.2 per 1,000 residents over the last year. This figure places Worthing slightly above the national average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000. Correspondingly, the area achieves a safety score of 79 out of 100, indicating a generally safer environment compared to the UK average of 78/100. Looking at recent trends, Worthing's crime rate has remained stable, experiencing a minor decrease of 3.1% year-over-year. These statistics provide a foundational understanding of the safety landscape in Worthing, with further detailed analysis presented in the following sections.

About Worthing

Worthing is a vibrant coastal town and a significant administrative centre in West Sussex, characterised by its blend of residential areas, a bustling town centre, and popular beachfront attractions. Its geographical location along the coast contributes to a dynamic environment, attracting both permanent residents and a substantial number of tourists, particularly during warmer months. The local economy is driven by retail, hospitality, and service industries, with the town centre acting as a key commercial hub. The presence of a varied population, including a transient tourist demographic, alongside numerous commercial establishments and a lively town centre, can influence crime patterns, particularly those related to shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, which are often observed in such urban coastal settings.

Crime Type Analysis in Worthing

An in-depth look at crime types in Worthing reveals that Violence and sexual offences constitute the most prevalent category, accounting for 3,479 crimes, or 30.6 per 1,000 residents, representing 32.4% of all reported incidents. Shoplifting follows as the second most common offence, with 1,827 crimes (16.1 per 1,000, 17.0% of the total), reflecting activity in the town's commercial areas. Anti-social behaviour ranks third, with 1,698 reported incidents (14.9 per 1,000, 15.8% of the total), often associated with public spaces and community interactions.

Beyond these top categories, property-related crime is a significant area of concern for residents and homeowners. Worthing recorded a property crime rate of 35.2 per 1,000 people per year. This broad category includes offences such as burglary (1.9 per 1,000), vehicle crime (3.8 per 1,000), other theft (4.4 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (6.5 per 1,000), bicycle theft (1.3 per 1,000), robbery (0.8 per 1,000), and theft from the person (0.4 per 1,000). While individual rates may seem low, their cumulative impact means that residents should remain vigilant regarding the security of their homes, vehicles, and personal belongings. Understanding these patterns allows for targeted prevention efforts to safeguard property within the community.

Crime Trends in Worthing

Worthing's crime statistics indicate a stable trend over the past year, with an overall decrease of 3.1% in reported crimes year-over-year. This stability suggests that while crime levels have not significantly risen, they have also not seen a dramatic reduction. Examining the monthly trend data provides a more nuanced picture. The crime rate per 1,000 residents started at 8.2 in October 2024, showing a slight dip to 7.1 in November and December, and remaining relatively consistent around this level into early 2025. A notable increase was observed in March 2025, reaching 8.2, followed by a slight fluctuation before a gradual rise from April (7.7) to September 2025 (8.7). This recent upward trajectory in the latter part of the period suggests a potential shift, despite the overall annual stability. For residents, this stable yet recently increasing trend means that while there hasn't been a significant surge in crime, continued awareness and proactive security measures remain important to maintain personal and property safety.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When placed in regional context, Worthing's crime profile offers valuable insights by comparing it with neighbouring local authority districts. With an overall crime rate of 94.2 per 1,000 and a safety score of 79/100, Worthing presents a generally comparable picture to its surroundings. Areas like Adur, Arun, and Brighton and Hove share similar coastal and urban dynamics, often leading to shared challenges and crime patterns. Horsham, Chichester, and Lewes, while also in Sussex, may exhibit variations influenced by their specific demographics. Understanding these comparisons helps residents gauge Worthing's relative safety within the broader region. Worthing's position slightly above the UK average suggests it maintains a reasonable standing amongst its regional counterparts, neither significantly higher nor lower than what might be expected.

Protecting Your Property in Worthing

Given Worthing's property crime rate of 35.2 per 1,000 people, prioritising effective home security is a sensible consideration for residents. While traditional security systems often focus on recording incidents after they occur, a more proactive approach can significantly enhance your property's safety. Instead of merely documenting a burglary, consider systems designed to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Modern security solutions, such as AI-powered operating systems like scOS, offer a paradigm shift from reactive recording to proactive deterrence. These advanced systems detect threats at your property boundary, acting before an intruder can gain entry. Features like multi-camera intelligence, which watches all cameras simultaneously, and pattern learning to distinguish family from genuine threats, ensure that alerts are accurate and timely. Furthermore, professional-grade equipment and autonomous responses, such as activating lights and engaging speakers, can destroy the element of surprise, making a potential burglar move on. The right security system makes that 60-second decision easy for an intruder – they move on. While DIY cameras have their place, professional systems offer a distinct advantage in providing serious, preventative protection against property crime.