Worthing Crime Rate February 2026 | Monthly Statistics

Worthing’s crime rate in February 2026 stood at 7.7 per 1,000 residents, placing the area 20.3% above the UK average of 6.4 per 1,000. This figure, while stable compared to the previous month, highlights a persistent challenge for local authorities. The most prevalent crime type was violence and sexual offences, accounting for 30.6% of all incidents (267 cases), followed by anti-social behaviour (20.4%) and shoplifting (15.4%). These patterns suggest a combination of urban dynamics and seasonal factors, as February—a winter month with limited outdoor activity—typically sees lower crime rates in some categories. However, the significant gap between local and national averages indicates structural issues that may be linked to the area’s coastal and commuter-oriented character. Anti-social behaviour, for instance, was 76% above the UK average, potentially reflecting the pressures of a densely populated urban environment. Meanwhile, shoplifting’s 107% excess over the UK average may be tied to the retail presence in Worthing’s high streets. The seasonal context of February—marked by a pre-spring lull—may have contributed to some fluctuations, though the overall crime profile remains a concern for residents and policymakers alike. The data also reveals stark disparities in specific categories, such as possession of weapons (186% above the UK average), which could signal deeper issues related to local policing or social factors. These findings underscore the need for targeted strategies to address both the immediate and systemic aspects of crime in the area.

February 2026 saw a stark increase in theft from the person, doubling from one to two incidents—a 100% month-on-month rise. This spike, though small in absolute terms, underscores potential vulnerabilities in public safety during low-traffic periods. Conversely, shoplifting fell by 22.1%, from 172 to 134 incidents, suggesting possible seasonal lulls in retail crime. Anti-social behaviour and public order offences also decreased, with the latter dropping by 26.4% to 64 incidents. These shifts may reflect the winter lull in outdoor activity. Worthing’s rate for possession of weapons was 186% above the UK average, a figure that warrants attention given the area’s coastal character and potential links to illicit networks. Bicycle theft, at 150% above the UK average, aligns with the presence of student populations and commuter cycling routes, though the month-on-month data does not show significant changes in this category.

Worthing’s crime rate in February 2026 remained stable at 7.7 per 1,000 residents, matching the previous month’s figure. This consistency contrasts with the area’s overall position above the UK average, which stands at 6.4 per 1,000. On a daily basis, the local figure shows 31 crimes reported each day, reflecting a steady rhythm of activity despite seasonal factors. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 131 residents, a measure that contextualises the frequency of incidents within the population. With a population of 113,866, this rate highlights the need for ongoing community engagement and policing strategies, particularly in areas where crime patterns deviate significantly from national trends. The stability in the monthly rate suggests that interventions from the prior month may have had a sustained effect, though the broader regional context remains a critical consideration for local authorities.