Worthing Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Worthing's November 2023 crime rate of 8.4 per 1,000 residents places it 12% above the UK average, highlighting a concerning trend for the local area. The most prevalent crimes are violence and sexual offences (304 incidents, 31.8% of total), followed by shoplifting (224 cases, 23.4%). These figures align with seasonal patterns, as November's dark evenings and Bonfire Night events may have contributed to increased public order offences and anti-social behaviour. The shoplifting spike—264% above the UK average—suggests vulnerabilities in retail security, particularly in high-traffic areas. While violent crime rates decreased by 21.2% month-on-month, the overall profile remains troubling. The town's coastal character and mix of urban and residential zones likely influence crime patterns, with high street retail areas serving as focal points for property-related offences. The 12% UK deficit in burglary rates (0.2 vs 0.3 per 1,000) offers some reassurance, but the significant elevation in drug-related crimes (100% above UK average) raises concerns about local enforcement and community engagement. As Black Friday shopping and seasonal events continue to shape activity, residents should remain aware of potential risks in public spaces and commercial districts.

November 2023 saw significant month-on-month increases in drug-related crimes (+82.6%), vehicle crime (+51.6%), and possession of weapons (+50.0%). These rises contrast with declines in other areas, including a 35.4% drop in other theft and a 22.6% reduction in criminal damage and arson. The violent crime category, while still the largest share of total crimes (31.8%), fell by 21.2% compared to October. This shift may reflect a combination of seasonal factors and targeted policing efforts. Shoplifting remains a stark outlier, with rates 264% above the UK average (2.0 vs 0.6 per 1,000). Residents should be particularly vigilant in retail areas, where the high volume of shoplifting incidents (224 cases) suggests a persistent challenge. The 41% UK deficit in burglary rates (0.2 vs 0.3 per 1,000) offers a contrasting positive trend, potentially linked to improved home security measures in the area.

Worthing's crime rate in November 2023 (8.4 per 1,000 residents) marks a 10.5% decrease from the previous month's rate of 9.4 per 1,000. This decline suggests a temporary moderation in criminal activity, though the overall rate remains 12% above the UK average. On a daily basis, 32 crimes were reported in November, translating to a monthly exposure of one crime for every 119 residents. This figure, while lower than the preceding month, still underscores the need for vigilance. The population context reveals that Worthing's 113,866 residents face a higher-than-average risk of experiencing crime compared to the UK as a whole. The drop in violent crimes (-21.2%) and criminal damage (-22.6%) may reflect seasonal factors, such as reduced outdoor activity during darker evenings. However, the persistence of elevated rates in specific categories—such as shoplifting and drugs—indicates ongoing challenges that require targeted local responses.