Petworth Crime Rate

Introduction to Petworth Crime Statistics

Petworth, a Built-Up Area with a population of 3,291, reports an overall crime rate of 64.7 per 1,000 residents per year. This figure is lower than the national average UK crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, suggesting Petworth is a relatively safer area. The community also achieves a good safety score of 86 out of 100, above the UK average of 78. However, recent data indicates an increasing trend in crime, with a significant 29.9% rise year-over-year. This overview provides context for a detailed analysis of crime types, temporal patterns, and local comparisons.

Crime Type Analysis in Petworth

In Petworth, Anti-social behaviour represents the most common crime type, accounting for 28.2% of all reported incidents, at a rate of 18.2 per 1,000 residents. Violence and sexual offences are the second most prevalent, making up 27.7% of total crimes, with 17.9 incidents per 1,000 people. Criminal damage and arson ranks third, comprising 9.4% of offences at 6.1 per 1,000. These statistics highlight specific areas of focus for public safety within the community.

Regarding property-related crime, Petworth records a rate of 22.5 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This category includes burglary (2.1 per 1,000), vehicle crime (5.8 per 1,000), other theft (5.2 per 1,000), criminal damage and arson (6.1 per 1,000), bicycle theft (not listed), robbery (0.3 per 1,000), and theft from the person (0.6 per 1,000). While the rates are below the national average, the increasing trend in overall crime suggests that residents should remain vigilant and consider appropriate security measures to protect their homes and valuables.

Crime Trend Analysis in Petworth

Petworth has experienced an increasing crime trend over the past year, with a significant 29.9% rise in total crimes year-over-year. An examination of the monthly crime rates per 1,000 residents reveals fluctuations throughout the period. The lowest crime rate was observed in December 2024 at 2.1 per 1,000, indicating a quieter month. Conversely, April 2025 and July 2025 recorded the highest rates at 9.1 and 8.2 per 1,000 respectively, suggesting distinct peaks in criminal activity. The trend shows an upward trajectory with some monthly variability. This increasing trend suggests that residents should enhance their vigilance regarding personal safety and property security, and consider implementing targeted prevention strategies during periods of higher risk.

Time Patterns of Crime in Petworth

Crime in Petworth exhibits distinct temporal patterns across the day. Morning hours (6am-12pm) are characterised by a significant proportion of theft (44%) and vehicle crime (24%), with some burglary (7%) and other crimes (25%) also occurring. As the day progresses into the afternoon (12pm-6pm), theft remains high at 52%, with burglary increasing to 14%, and other crimes at 25%, while vehicle crime reduces. The evening period (6pm-12am) sees a notable shift, with other crimes dominating at 42%, while theft drops to 21%. Burglary and vehicle crime maintain a presence. During the night (12am-6am), vehicle crime peaks at 54%, alongside 13% burglary and 25% other crimes, indicating a focus on unattended properties. These patterns suggest that different types of criminal activity are more prevalent at specific times, which can inform targeted prevention efforts.

Crime Comparisons with Nearby Areas

To contextualise Petworth's crime statistics, it's beneficial to compare them with neighbouring settlements such as Fittleworth, Lodsworth, Graffham, and Sutton (Chichester). With an overall crime rate of 64.7 per 1,000 residents and a safety score of 86/100, Petworth generally presents a safer environment than the UK average. Understanding how Petworth compares to these nearby communities helps residents and prospective movers gauge the relative safety and crime landscape within the local region. While each area has its unique characteristics, these comparisons offer valuable insights into regional crime patterns.

Protecting Your Property in Petworth

With Petworth's property crime rate of 22.5 per 1,000 residents, which is below the UK average but part of a significantly increasing overall crime trend, effective home security is increasingly important. Traditional security cameras often only provide footage after a burglary has occurred, offering reactive evidence rather than prevention. For true peace of mind, consider adopting proactive crime prevention strategies.

Advanced AI-powered home security operating systems like scOS offer a significant advantage by detecting threats at your property's boundary, before a break-in can occur. Unlike reactive systems, scOS uses multi-camera intelligence to monitor all angles simultaneously, learning your daily routines to distinguish between familiar activity and genuine intrusions. Features such as autonomous responses, which include activating lights and engaging speakers, are designed to deter potential criminals, destroying their element of surprise within the crucial 60-second window where most burglars make their decision. Opting for professional-grade, proactive security can significantly enhance the protection of your home and valuables.