Worthing Crime Rate July 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Violence and sexual offences dominated Worthing's crime profile in July 2024, making up 36.4% of all reported crimes. This category, at 2.8 per 1,000 residents, was 2% below the UK average of 2.9 per 1,000. The area's overall crime rate of 7.6 per 1,000 residents marked a 9.5% reduction compared to the UK average of 8.4, a trend consistent with Worthing's historical performance in maintaining lower-than-average violent crime rates. Anti-social behaviour (1.3 per 1,000) and public order offences (0.8 per 1,000) followed as the next most common categories, though the latter exceeded the UK average by 25%. July's peak summer conditions, with schools closed and tourism in full swing, may partly explain the persistence of public order offences in areas with high foot traffic. The area's relatively low burglary rate (0.2 per 1,000) compared to the UK average of 0.3 per 1,000 suggests effective community policing strategies, though the 25% increase in burglary cases from the previous month highlights vulnerabilities in certain neighbourhoods. The seasonal context of July—characterised by festivals, outdoor events, and a surge in visitors—likely contributes to the elevated levels of public order and anti-social behaviour, despite overall crime remaining below UK benchmarks.

July 2024 saw a notable 15.8% increase in violence and sexual offences, rising from 279 to 323 cases. This surge, though still 2% below the UK average, may reflect the pressures of a summer with extended evenings and high tourist activity. Conversely, drug-related offences fell sharply by 37% compared to the previous month, dropping from 27 to 17 cases—a decline consistent with the seasonal reduction in illicit activity during peak tourist periods. Theft from the person also saw a dramatic 100% increase, rising from 2 to 4 cases, a figure that, while small in absolute terms, underscores the need for heightened vigilance in crowded public spaces. The crime mix shifted slightly towards violent crimes, with property crimes accounting for 31.8% of total incidents (282 cases) compared to 36.4% for violent crimes. This shift contrasts with the UK average, where property crimes typically constitute a larger share. Public order offences, at 0.8 per 1,000 residents, were 25% above the UK average, suggesting that Worthing's vibrant summer events may be exacerbating tensions in certain areas.

Worthing's crime rate in July 2024 remained stable at 7.6 per 1,000 residents, matching the previous month's figure with a 0.9% change. This consistency, despite the 15.8% increase in violence and sexual offences, highlights the balancing effect of declining drug-related crimes and reduced robbery incidents. On a daily basis, the area recorded an average of 29 crimes per day over the month, a figure that translates to one reported crime for roughly every 131 residents over the course of July. This monthly exposure rate, while higher than some rural areas, remains below the UK average when considering the built-up nature of Worthing. The population context reveals that with 116,366 residents, the 887 total crimes reported represent a relatively low proportion of the population, particularly when compared to larger urban centres. The 25% increase in public order offences compared to the UK average, however, suggests that Worthing's summer events may be generating unique challenges not seen in more densely populated or tourist-heavy regions. Residents should note that while overall crime remains stable, the 100% increase in theft from the person—a small but significant rise—indicates a need for continued awareness during crowded festivals and public gatherings.