Worthing Crime Rate April 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Worthing's overall crime rate of 7.2 per 1,000 residents in April 2023 placed it 4% below the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000. This coastal town, known for its seaside resorts and commuter suburbs, saw a mix of urban and rural crime patterns reflected in its statistics. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 35.7% of all crimes, a rate (2.6 per 1,000) matching the UK average. Shoplifting, at 1.0 per 1,000 (13.3% of all crimes), was 108% above the UK average, likely influenced by the Easter retail period and increased foot traffic in town centres. Anti-social behaviour, at 0.8 per 1,000, was 32% below the UK average, possibly due to community policing efforts in residential areas. The seasonal context of April—Easter holidays, warmer weather, and increased outdoor activity—may have contributed to fluctuations in crime types, with public order offences rising sharply. While violent crime remained consistent with national trends, property crime rates showed divergence, with shoplifting standing out as a notable concern. This suggests that Worthing's unique blend of tourist attractions and suburban living creates distinct challenges for crime prevention strategies.

April 2023 saw significant month-on-month changes in specific crime categories. Public order offences surged by 63.3% (49 to 80), likely driven by increased Easter-related events and outdoor gatherings. Burglary rose 37.9% (29 to 40), potentially linked to spring break-ins in residential areas as households returned from holiday stays. Conversely, theft from the person fell 66.7% (3 to 1), possibly reflecting reduced foot traffic during Easter closures. Shoplifting remained 108% above the UK average, with 109 incidents reported (1.0 per 1,000), highlighting persistent challenges in retail crime prevention. Anti-social behaviour, though 32% below the UK average, showed a 29% decline in other theft (from 6 to 4), indicating possible improvements in community policing or targeted interventions. The balance between violent and property crime shifted slightly, with violence and sexual offences (292 incidents) maintaining a larger share (35.7%) than property crimes (325 incidents, 39.7%), suggesting no significant overall shift in crime mix. These fluctuations underscore the need for tailored strategies addressing both transient and persistent crime patterns in Worthing.

Worthing's crime rate in April 2023 (7.2 per 1,000) marked an 8.4% increase from the previous month's rate of 6.6 per 1,000, reflecting seasonal dynamics typical of coastal towns. Daily crime statistics revealed 27 crimes per day in April, a figure that contextualises the pace of incidents within the town's 113,866 residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 139 residents, a monthly exposure rate that provides a tangible sense of risk for local residents. This rate, while slightly below the UK average, highlights the importance of population density in shaping crime statistics—Worthing's mix of urban and rural areas likely contributes to its distinct profile. The 4% gap below the UK average may also reflect the town's focus on community policing and tourism management, though the sharp rise in public order offences suggests areas for improvement. When compared to other coastal resorts, Worthing's lower burglary rate (0.4 per 1,000) and higher anti-social behaviour rate (0.8 per 1,000) indicate a combination of tourism, residential stability, and local enforcement priorities. These comparisons offer residents a clearer picture of how their town's crime profile aligns with both national and regional trends.