Worthing Crime Rate October 2025 | Monthly Statistics

Worthing's crime rate in October 2025 stood at 7.7 per 1,000 residents, matching the UK average and reflecting a stable overall picture for the area. The most prevalent crimes were violence and sexual offences (32% of all incidents), shoplifting (16.7%), and anti-social behaviour (15.8%). These figures align with the characteristics of a coastal town with a mix of urban and suburban areas, where retail centres and public spaces naturally drive certain crime types. The rate of violence and sexual offences (2.5 per 1,000) was 6% below the UK average, a trend consistent with the relative safety of coastal communities during late autumn. Shoplifting, however, presented a marked deviation, with rates 106% above the national average—a figure that may be influenced by the town's retail density and the timing of the month, which precedes the Christmas shopping season. Anti-social behaviour, while still a significant category, was 5% below the UK average, suggesting that community-focused policing strategies may be yielding results. The seasonal context of October, with clocks going back and darker evenings, likely contributed to increased indoor activity and reduced outdoor crime, though Halloween events may have temporarily elevated shoplifting risks in high-street areas. This pattern underscores the combination of local geography, seasonal rhythms, and crime dynamics, with Worthing's position as a commuter town and tourist destination shaping its unique criminal profile.

October 2025 saw a 55.6% decrease in robbery cases, with numbers falling from 18 to 8—a significant drop likely linked to heightened police presence during Halloween events. Theft from the person also fell by 50%, from 2 to 1, a trend consistent with reduced foot traffic in town centres during the month. Conversely, shoplifting incidents rose by 25.7%, reaching 147 cases, a figure 106% above the UK average. This spike may reflect increased opportunistic activity in retail areas during the pre-Christmas shopping period, despite the month's proximity to Halloween. Anti-social behaviour remained a persistent concern, accounting for 15.8% of all crimes, though this rate was 5% below the UK average. The notable increase in possession of weapons—up 18.2% to 13 cases—presents a new challenge for local authorities, though the absolute numbers remain low compared to national benchmarks.

Worthing's crime rate in October 2025 dropped by 11.1% compared to the previous month, falling from 8.7 to 7.7 per 1,000 residents. This decline aligns with broader seasonal patterns seen in coastal towns during late autumn, where reduced tourist activity and shorter daylight hours may contribute to lower crime rates. On a daily basis, the area experienced approximately 28 crimes per day in October, a figure that contextualises the pace of criminal activity for residents. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 130 residents, reflecting a relatively low level of exposure compared to larger urban centres. With a population of 113,866, the localised nature of crime in Worthing—particularly in retail hubs and public spaces—suggests that targeted policing and community initiatives may be effectively mitigating risk. This monthly exposure rate remains consistent with historical data for similar-sized coastal towns, where seasonal transitions often correlate with fluctuations in reported crime.