Worthing Crime Rate November 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Worthing's crime profile in November 2024 presents a complex picture of both decline and persistent challenges. The overall crime rate of 7.1 per 1,000 residents places the area 6.6% below the UK average, a position that reflects effective policing strategies and community engagement efforts. However, the distribution of crime types reveals significant disparities: violence and sexual offences (258 incidents) and shoplifting (185 incidents) dominate the crime mix, with the latter category far exceeding the UK average by 132%. This anomaly may be linked to Worthing's status as a coastal resort town with a thriving retail sector, where high foot traffic during events like Black Friday creates opportunities for theft. Anti-social behaviour (101 incidents) and public order offences (64 incidents) also contribute to the area's crime profile. Seasonal factors such as Bonfire Night and the extended darkness of November may have influenced patterns, with shoplifting and theft from the person seeing spikes amid increased retail activity and reduced visibility. While the area's overall safety remains stronger than the UK average, targeted interventions in high-risk sectors like retail and public spaces are essential to address the disproportionate rise in certain crime types.

November 2024 saw a 50% increase in theft from the person, rising from four to six incidents, a sharp rise that may partly explain heightened concerns in public spaces. Concurrently, possession of weapons rose by 8.3%, indicating a troubling trend in weapons-related offences that warrants attention. While shoplifting remained the second most common crime, its rate of 1.6 per 1,000 residents is 132% above the UK average, highlighting a significant local challenge in retail areas. This contrast with the 64% drop in 'other crime' and 54.5% decline in vehicle crime suggests shifting patterns, possibly linked to seasonal factors such as Black Friday shopping or reduced outdoor activity. Residents should remain vigilant in high-traffic zones, where shoplifting and theft from the person have shown notable spikes, even as broader crime trends continue to decline.

Worthing's November 2024 crime rate of 7.1 per 1,000 residents marks a 13.6% decline from the previous month's rate of 8.2 per 1,000, reflecting a downward trend in overall criminal activity. This decrease aligns with the typically lower crime rates observed during the late autumn months, though seasonal factors such as shorter daylight hours and colder weather may still influence certain crime types. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 27 crimes per day in November, a figure that, while consistent with historical averages, underscores the need for vigilance in high-traffic areas. When viewed through a population lens, the monthly exposure of one reported crime for every 140 residents illustrates a manageable level of risk for residents, though specific categories like shoplifting remain significantly above the UK average. This comparison highlights both the effectiveness of local policing efforts and the persistent challenges posed by retail-related offences in the area.