Crime and Safety in Selsey

Policing, community safety and local concerns

Selsey is a low-crime area by national standards, reflecting the small size of the community, the settled population and the relative isolation of the town. The crime rate is below the average for the Chichester district, which is itself one of the lower-crime areas in the country.

Policing is provided by Sussex Police as part of the Chichester district policing area. The nearest main police station is in Chichester, and officers cover Selsey as part of their wider beat. Community policing, including PCSOs and neighbourhood policing teams, provides a visible presence in the town and liaises with residents and community groups on local concerns.

The types of crime that occur in Selsey are largely low-level. Petty theft, criminal damage, antisocial behaviour and occasional burglaries are the most commonly reported offences. During the summer months, when the holiday parks bring a large influx of visitors, there can be a modest increase in antisocial behaviour, particularly in the evenings. Alcohol-related incidents are occasionally reported, as in any community with pubs and holiday accommodation.

Community safety initiatives include Neighbourhood Watch schemes, which operate in several parts of the town. The schemes encourage residents to look out for each other, to report suspicious activity and to maintain the vigilance that helps deter opportunistic crime. The strong community networks in Selsey mean that unusual activity is noticed quickly, and the informal surveillance of a close-knit community is an effective crime deterrent.

Road safety is a concern on the B2145, the only road in and out of Selsey, where traffic speeds and volumes, particularly during the summer, create hazards for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users. The road passes through Sidlesham and the flat countryside without major safety features, and accidents, though infrequent, do occur.

Coastal safety is managed through the RNLI lifeboat service, the coastguard and the beach safety guidance issued by the local authority. The rocky foreshore at Selsey Bill and the strong tidal currents around the headland present genuine hazards for swimmers, anglers and water users. Warning signs are posted, and the RNLI provides safety advice.

For families, retirees and anyone seeking a safe, quiet place to live, Selsey scores well. The combination of low crime rates, strong community networks, a settled population and the natural surveillance of a small town makes it one of the safer communities on the Sussex coast.