Crawley Crime Rate

Crawley currently has an overall crime rate of 130.8 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the UK national average of 91.6. This figure contributes to a safety score of 70/100, which is below the UK average safety score of 79/100. However, the most recent data from January 2025 to December 2025 shows that the crime trend in Crawley is stable, with a slight 2.0% decrease compared to the previous year. With a population of 124,008, Crawley is a major urban and commercial hub, and its crime figures reflect the high volume of activity in the area. This report provides a detailed analysis of the local crime landscape to help residents and businesses understand the specific challenges and trends within the district.

About Crawley

Crawley is a major economic hub in West Sussex, characterized by a unique blend of residential, commercial, and industrial zones. As a large town, its crime statistics are influenced by several key factors. Most notably, Crawley is home to Gatwick Airport, one of the UK's busiest transport hubs, which brings a high volume of transient population and significant commercial activity to the area. The town also features large industrial estates like Manor Royal, which attract thousands of commuters daily.

The population density is high, with 124,008 residents, and the town serves as a regional shopping destination with the County Mall and a vibrant nightlife scene in the town centre. These factors—high footfall, significant retail activity, and a busy night-time economy—often contribute to higher rates of shoplifting, anti-social behaviour, and public order offences. Additionally, the town's excellent transport links to London and the South Coast can influence crime patterns. While many areas are quiet and suburban, the concentration of commercial and travel-related activity in specific zones plays a substantial role in the overall crime rate and safety score for the local authority.

Crime in Crawley

In Crawley, the crime landscape is primarily defined by violence and sexual offences, which account for 32.9% of all reported incidents, equivalent to a rate of 43.0 per 1,000 residents. Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue at 14.5%, followed by shoplifting at 12.1%. These three categories represent nearly 60% of all local crime.

Property-related crime in Crawley—including burglary, robbery, theft from the person, criminal damage and arson, bicycle theft, vehicle crime, and other theft—occurs at a rate of 43.7 per 1,000 people. This is significantly higher than the UK national average of 32.2. Shoplifting and 'other theft' are the most prominent issues within this category, while criminal damage and arson also make up a notable portion (5.6%). For residents and business owners, this indicates a high requirement for robust security, particularly given the elevated levels of theft and damage. While burglary accounts for a smaller 2.2% of total crime, the cumulative impact of various theft and property-related offences suggests that proactive protection is essential for both homes and commercial premises in the area.

Crime Trends in Crawley

The crime rate in Crawley is currently stable, showing a minor decrease of 2.0% year-over-year. This indicates that the safety environment in the town is relatively consistent despite the high volume of incidents. Analysis of the monthly data for 2025 reveals a steady pattern of activity throughout the year.

The year began with rates around 9.9 in January, rising to a peak of 12.0 in October. Most months saw rates between 10.0 and 11.9, suggesting that crime is a constant factor in the town's urban environment rather than being subject to sharp seasonal spikes. The highest period of activity occurred between March and August, coinciding with the busier spring and summer months. The lowest rate of the year was recorded in February at 9.2. This consistency suggests that residents and businesses should maintain a high level of security awareness year-round, as there are no significantly "quiet" periods in Crawley's crime calendar.

When comparing Crawley to its immediate neighbours, there is a stark contrast in recorded activity. Neighbouring local authorities such as Mid Sussex, Mole Valley, Reigate and Banstead, Tandridge, Horsham, and Epsom and Ewell all reported 0.0 crimes per 1,000 people during this period. This suggests that Crawley serves as the primary regional hub for commercial, transport, and social activity, which naturally leads to a concentration of recorded crime. For those considering the region, Crawley offers the most urban environment with the highest level of amenities, while its neighbours provide a much quieter, more rural or suburban profile with significantly less recorded criminal activity.

With a property crime rate of 43.7 per 1,000 residents, Crawley faces significant challenges regarding theft and damage. Traditional security measures, such as basic CCTV cameras or DIY alarm systems, are often reactive. They provide footage of a crime after it has occurred, which may help with a police investigation but does not prevent the initial loss or distress. In a busy urban area like Crawley, where shoplifting and other thefts are high, preventing the incident is far more valuable than recording it.

The scOS operating system offers a proactive solution by using AI to detect threats at your property boundary before a breach occurs. By monitoring all cameras simultaneously and using multi-camera intelligence, scOS can identify suspicious behaviour and respond autonomously. Features like deterrent lighting and voice alerts can stop an intruder or thief in their tracks. For Crawley residents and business owners, professional-grade security like scOS provides a powerful deterrent that signals to potential offenders that your property is actively protected, making them far more likely to move on to an easier target elsewhere.

How To Keep Safe in Crawley

The most prevalent crime type in Crawley is violence and sexual offences. Given the town's busy commercial and nightlife areas, maintaining personal awareness is the most effective way to stay safe across the local authority.

When visiting the town centre or travelling through busy transport hubs like Gatwick, stay aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure and out of sight to deter opportunistic theft.

If you are out in the evening, stick to well-lit, busy routes and try to travel with friends. Be mindful of the high levels of anti-social behaviour in certain areas and avoid getting involved in confrontational situations.

Ensure your home and business premises are securely locked and well-lit. With a property crime rate of 43.7, investing in high-quality security is a wise precaution for all residents in the district.

Report any suspicious activity or persistent anti-social behaviour to the local police. In a large town like Crawley, community reporting is vital for helping authorities allocate resources to the areas where they are most needed.