Fittleworth Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Fittleworth

Fittleworth, with a population of 1,492, records an overall crime rate of 35.5 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is substantially lower than the UK average of 93.1 crimes per 1,000, contributing to its excellent safety score of 90 out of 100, well above the UK average of 78. However, recent data indicates an increasing trend in crime, with a 10.4% rise year-over-year. This introduction provides a comprehensive overview of Fittleworth's crime statistics, laying the groundwork for a detailed analysis of specific crime types, trends, and safety recommendations.

Crime Type Analysis in Fittleworth

In Fittleworth, violence and sexual offences represent the most common crime type, accounting for 39.6% of all reported incidents, with 21 crimes recorded (14.1 per 1,000 residents). Anti-social behaviour follows, making up 15.1% (8 incidents, 5.4 per 1,000), while vehicle crime is the third most prevalent at 11.3% (6 incidents, 4.0 per 1,000). Property-related crime, encompassing burglary, theft, and vehicle crime, stands at 10.7 per 1,000 people, significantly below the UK average of 32.9 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, while the overall property crime rate is low, the presence of vehicle crime suggests the need for securing vehicles.

Crime Trends in Fittleworth

Fittleworth has experienced an increasing crime trend, with a 10.4% rise in overall crime year-over-year. Analysing the monthly trend data reveals fluctuations throughout the year. For instance, crime rates per 1,000 residents saw a notable peak in May (6.0), with other higher months including December and January (both 4.0). Conversely, February recorded a significantly lower rate of 0.7 per 1,000. This upward trajectory, while modest, suggests that residents should remain aware of their surroundings and consider enhanced security measures, especially during periods of elevated crime activity.

How To Keep Safe in Fittleworth

Given that violence and sexual offences are the most prevalent crime type in Fittleworth, accounting for 39.6% of all offences, personal safety is crucial.

1. Be aware of your surroundings: Always stay alert, especially when walking alone or in dimly lit areas.
2. Travel in groups: If possible, avoid walking alone at night and use well-lit, busy routes.
3. Secure your home: Ensure your property is well-lit and consider robust locks and an alarm system to deter potential intruders.
4. Report suspicious activity: Promptly inform the police about any concerning behaviour or incidents you witness.
5. Trust your instincts: If a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself from it.

Understanding Crime Time Patterns in Fittleworth

Crime in Fittleworth shows varying patterns throughout the day. Morning hours (6am-12pm) are characterised by a high proportion of theft (46%) and vehicle crime (19%). The afternoon (12pm-6pm) sees theft peak at 52%. As evening approaches (6pm-12am), "Other" crimes become the most dominant at 42%, with vehicle crime at 20%. Night-time (12am-6am) indicates a significant increase in vehicle crime, reaching 45%, highlighting a specific risk during these hours.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When comparing Fittleworth's crime rate of 35.5 per 1,000 people to its neighbours, it stands as one of the safer areas. Watersfield reports 0.0 crimes per 1,000, indicating an extremely low crime level. Coldwaltham (56.0), Pulborough (63.4), and Petworth (68.1) all have significantly higher crime rates than Fittleworth. This regional comparison highlights Fittleworth's relatively secure position, although crime is on an increasing trend.

Enhancing Your Property Protection in Fittleworth

With Fittleworth's property crime rate at a low 10.7 per 1,000, significantly below the UK average, residents benefit from a generally secure environment. However, prevention remains key. Traditional security systems often only record events, providing footage after a crime has occurred. For truly proactive protection, consider an AI-powered system like scOS. This advanced security operating system detects threats at the property boundary, preventing intrusions before they happen. By watching all cameras simultaneously and learning your routines, scOS differentiates between genuine threats and everyday activities, ensuring you're only alerted when necessary. Its autonomous response, including lights and audio, is designed to destroy the element of surprise, making burglars move on, providing peace of mind for Fittleworth residents.