Worthing Crime Rate February 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Worthing’s crime rate for February 2024 reached 7.6 per 1,000 residents, placing it 7.0% above the UK average of 7.1 per 1,000. This figure, while not catastrophically high, highlights a persistent deviation from national norms in certain categories. Violence and sexual offences remained the most prevalent crime type, accounting for 32.9% of all reported incidents (286 cases), a rate of 2.5 per 1,000 that precisely matches the UK average. However, the most striking divergence emerged in shoplifting, which occurred at 2.1 per 1,000—289% above the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000. This stark contrast to the national trend suggests a unique local context, possibly tied to the area’s retail infrastructure or seasonal pressures. Anti-social behaviour followed at 9.2% (80 cases).7 per 1,000 was 33% below the UK average, indicating a relative absence of disorderly conduct compared to other areas. The seasonal context of February—a winter month with low outdoor activity and a pre-spring lull—may partially explain the subdued levels of public order offences and vehicle crime, though the sharp increase in shoplifting defies easy explanation. This month’s data underscores the complexity of local crime patterns, where some categories align with national trends while others diverge sharply, requiring careful contextual analysis.

February 2024 saw a stark anomaly in Worthing’s crime profile: shoplifting incidents surged to 233, a rate of 2.1 per 1,000 residents—289% above the UK average of 0.5 per 1,000. This marked departure from typical trends raises questions about local retail dynamics, though no causal factors are explicitly stated in the data. Meanwhile, possession of weapons rose by 160% (from 5 to 13 incidents), a figure that, while not unprecedented, deserves closer attention given its sharp increase. Conversely, burglary and bicycle theft both fell sharply, with burglary down 39.1% (23 to 14) and bicycle theft dropping 37.5% (8 to 5). These declines may reflect seasonal factors, as February is a low-activity winter month, though the reduction in vehicle crime (down 32.4%) adds another layer to the shifting crime mix. Violent crimes remained stable at 2.5 per 1,000, aligning precisely with the UK average, suggesting no significant divergence in this category.

Worthing's crime rate for February 2024 stood at 7.6 per 1,000 residents, a 4.7% decrease from the previous month's rate of 8.0 per 1,000. This decline, though modest, suggests a stabilisation in local crime trends following a slight uptick in January. On a daily basis, 30 crimes were reported across the 29 days of February, equating to a local frequency that residents may find relevant for situational awareness. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 131 residents—a figure that, while not alarmingly high, underscores the persistent presence of crime in the area. With a population of 113,866, this translates to a manageable but non-trivial exposure rate. The comparison to the UK average, while not central to this section, highlights that Worthing's crime profile remains distinct, particularly in categories like shoplifting, which is overrepresented relative to national trends.