Worthing Crime Rate August 2025 | Monthly Statistics

In August 2025, Worthing’s crime rate of 8.6 per 1,000 residents placed it 6.2% above the UK average, a figure that reflects a combination of local dynamics and seasonal influences. The breakdown of crimes reveals a striking imbalance: violent crimes accounted for 34.6% of all reported incidents, significantly outpacing property crimes, which made up 29.7% of the total. This dominance of violent crime—particularly violence and sexual offences (337 cases) and anti-social behaviour (227 cases)—suggests a need for targeted interventions in areas where public disorder is concentrated. The seasonal context of August, a peak holiday month, likely exacerbates certain trends. For instance, shoplifting rose to 128 cases, 75% above the UK average, possibly linked to increased foot traffic in retail zones. Meanwhile, anti-social behaviour, at 23.3% of total crimes, was 37% higher than the UK average, a figure that may be influenced by the town’s proximity to coastal tourism hubs. The data also indicates that property crimes, while lower than violent incidents, remain a concern, with shoplifting and criminal damage standing out. This pattern may be partly explained by the town’s dual role as a commuter hub and tourist destination, where transient populations and high-value retail areas create unique vulnerabilities. The overall crime rate, though slightly above the UK average, is not drastically different, and the stability between months suggests that local factors—such as policing strategies or community initiatives—are maintaining a relative balance. However, the persistent overrepresentation of violent crime compared to national trends warrants further analysis, particularly in relation to the area’s demographic profile and seasonal rhythms.

August 2025 saw a sharp rise in theft from the person, doubling from zero to two incidents—a 100% increase. This spike, though small in absolute terms, highlights vulnerabilities in public spaces during peak tourist hours. Burglary also doubled, rising from 11 to 22 cases, potentially linked to the seasonal influx of holidaymakers leaving homes unoccupied. Conversely, drug-related crimes fell by 52.2%, with reported incidents dropping from 46 to 22, a decline that may reflect reduced nightlife activity or improved enforcement. The crime mix remained skewed toward violence and anti-social behaviour, which accounted for 58.9% of all reported incidents. This contrasts with the UK average, where violence and sexual offences are 5% lower. The dominance of violent crime—34.6% of total cases—suggests a need for focused policing in high-risk areas like the town centre, where alcohol-fuelled disputes may be more common during summer evenings.

Worthing’s crime rate in August 2025 remained stable compared to July, with a 1.1% increase from 8.5 to 8.6 per 1,000 residents. This slight rise is negligible in the context of broader trends, suggesting no significant shift in overall safety. On a daily basis, 31 crimes were reported each day in August, a figure that reflects the town’s population density and local activity patterns. Over the course of the month, one crime occurred for every 117 residents, a monthly exposure rate that aligns with historical averages for areas of similar size. While this rate is higher than the UK average, the stability between months indicates that local factors—such as seasonal tourism or community initiatives—may be maintaining a consistent balance. The population context also matters: with 113,866 residents, the absolute number of crimes (974) is manageable, though specific categories like anti-social behaviour and shoplifting remain high. These figures underscore the need for targeted interventions without suggesting a worsening trend.