Worthing Crime Rate September 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Worthing’s September 2024 crime rate of 7.5 per 1,000 residents places it 2.6% below the UK average of 7.7 per 1,000, a difference that may partly reflect the area’s mix of coastal retail zones and quieter residential neighbourhoods. The most common crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 31.7% of all reported crimes, a rate of 2.4 per 1,000 — 8% below the UK average. This could be linked to the area’s seasonal dynamics, as September marks the start of the academic year, with increased foot traffic in town centres and local schools. Shoplifting, however, stood out as a stark anomaly: at 1.5 per 1,000, it was 121% above the UK average of 0.7 per 1,000. This spike may be attributed to the high concentration of retail outlets along the seafront and main thoroughfares, which often attract transient visitors. Anti-social behaviour, the third most common category, accounted for 13.7% of crimes, a rate of 1.0 per 1,000 — 15% below the UK average. This contrast suggests that while some areas of Worthing face concentrated challenges, others benefit from lower levels of disruptive activity. Seasonal factors may also play a role, as the transition from summer to autumn typically sees a shift in public behaviour, with evenings drawing in earlier and fewer tourists lingering in the area.

September 2024 saw a 200% increase in theft from the person, rising from 2 to 6 incidents, a change that could signal heightened awareness among residents or a shift in criminal focus during the autumn months. Robbery rates also doubled, with 6 incidents reported — a stark contrast to the previous month’s 3. This uptick may be connected to the area’s nightlife and the presence of students, who often congregate in town centres during freshers’ week. Meanwhile, burglary rates fell by 51.9%, from 27 to 13, a drop that may reflect improved security measures in residential areas or the seasonal closure of certain properties. Criminal damage and arson also decreased by 32.2%, from 87 to 59, a trend that could be linked to the end of summer holidays and reduced outdoor activity. Shoplifting’s 121% above-average rate remains a critical concern, with 170 incidents recorded — nearly double the UK average. This suggests that targeted interventions in high-traffic retail areas may be necessary. Anti-social behaviour, though lower than the UK average, still accounted for 13.7% of all crimes, indicating that community engagement initiatives could help address underlying issues in specific neighbourhoods.

Worthing’s September 2024 crime rate of 7.5 per 1,000 represents a 7.2% decrease from the previous month’s rate of 8.0 per 1,000, a decline that may reflect the seasonal slowdown in activity as the academic year begins. On a daily basis, 28 crimes were reported across the 30-day period — a figure that, while seemingly high, is contextualised by the area’s population of 113,866. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 134 residents, a monthly exposure rate that is slightly lower than the UK average but comparable to other coastal towns with similar demographics. This statistic provides a tangible benchmark for residents, illustrating that while crime is present, it does not dominate daily life. The population-scaled perspective also highlights that Worthing’s crime profile is not influenced by any single group, but rather reflects a balanced distribution across age, location, and socioeconomic factors. The decrease in burglary and criminal damage, paired with the rise in shoplifting and theft, underscores the need for targeted policing strategies that align with the area’s unique seasonal and economic rhythms.