Petworth Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Petworth

Petworth reports an overall crime rate of 68.1 per 1,000 people per year, which is notably lower than the UK average of 93.1 per 1,000. This contributes to Petworth's safety score of 86 out of 100, indicating a very safe environment compared to the national average of 78. However, recent data shows an increasing trend in crime, with a significant 39.1% rise year-over-year. This overview provides context for the detailed crime statistics and trends within the Petworth area.

Crime Breakdown in Petworth

An analysis of crime types in Petworth reveals that anti-social behaviour is the most prevalent, accounting for 27.2% of all reported crimes, with a rate of 18.5 per 1,000 people. Violence and sexual offences is the second most common, making up 25.4% of offences at 17.3 per 1,000. Criminal damage and arson ranks third, representing 11.6% of crimes with a rate of 7.9 per 1,000 residents.

Property-related crime in Petworth, which includes burglary, theft from person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft, stands at 25.5 per 1,000 people per year. This is lower than the UK average property crime rate of 32.9 per 1,000. For residents and homeowners, this indicates a moderate risk of property-related offences, but vigilance and basic security measures remain important.

Crime Trends in Petworth

Petworth has experienced a significant increasing trend in its overall crime rate, with a year-over-year rise of 39.1%. Examining the monthly trend data reveals fluctuations throughout the year. The crime rate per 1,000 residents saw notable increases in April 2025 (9.1) and July 2025 (8.2), suggesting potential seasonal peaks or specific events influencing these upturns. In contrast, December 2024 (2.1) and June 2025 (2.7) recorded lower rates. This overall sharp upward trajectory indicates a general increase in criminal activity across Petworth over the past year. Residents should be aware of this trend and consider appropriate preventative measures.

How To Keep Safe in Petworth

Given that anti-social behaviour is the most prevalent crime type in Petworth, residents should prioritise community safety. Report any persistent anti-social behaviour to the local authorities to help address ongoing issues. Promote a sense of community by getting to know your neighbours and looking out for each other. Ensure your property is well-maintained and free of litter, as this can deter anti-social gatherings. Encourage local initiatives that foster positive community engagement.

Crime Time Patterns in Petworth

Crime patterns in Petworth show distinct shifts throughout the day. Morning hours (6am-12pm) are primarily affected by theft and 'other' crimes, alongside some vehicle offences. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft remains prevalent, but there's a noticeable increase in burglary incidents. Evening periods (6pm-12am) see a significant rise in 'other' crimes, with vehicle crime also becoming more frequent. During the night (12am-6am), vehicle crime and burglary become more pronounced, indicating that properties and vehicles are more vulnerable when residents are typically asleep.

Crime Comparison with Nearby Areas

When comparing Petworth to its neighbouring urban areas, a varied picture emerges. Fittleworth reports a lower crime rate of 35.5 per 1,000 people per year. Several other areas listed, including Lodsworth, Graffham, and Sutton (Chichester), are shown with a crime rate of 0.0 per 1,000. This data, while potentially incomplete for comparison, suggests that Petworth's crime rate is considerably higher than some immediate neighbours, but still below the national average.

Enhanced Protection for Your Home in Petworth

With Petworth's property crime rate at 25.5 per 1,000 people per year, which is lower than the UK average, residents can still enhance their security. Traditional CCTV systems often only provide footage after a crime has occurred, acting reactively. For truly proactive protection, consider advanced AI-powered security systems like scOS. These systems detect threats at your property boundary, rather than after a break-in, effectively preventing crime before it happens. By watching all cameras simultaneously and learning your routines, scOS offers real-time intervention through features like activating lights and engaging speakers, destroying the element of surprise that burglars rely on. This professional-grade deterrence signals serious protection, making burglars move on within that critical 60-second decision window.