Crawley Crime Rate November 2023 | Monthly Statistics

Crawley's crime profile in November 2023 reveals a marked imbalance between property and violent crime, with property offences narrowly outpacing violence and sexual offences. The overall crime rate of 10.5 per 1,000 residents places the area 40% above the UK average, a disparity that may reflect Crawley's position as a commuter town with significant retail and transport infrastructure. Violence and sexual offences accounted for 32.3% of all crimes, closely followed by shoplifting (13.1%) and anti-social behaviour (11.1%). This mix suggests a combination of local dynamics, including the impact of high-street retail activity and the influence of seasonal events such as Bonfire Night and Black Friday shopping. The spike in shoplifting—155% above the UK average—could be partly explained by the increased foot traffic and retail promotions during the month. However, the relatively low rate of burglary (3.2% of all crimes) contrasts with the UK average, indicating possible differences in residential security practices or property density. The seasonal context of November, with its shorter days and colder temperatures, may also have influenced patterns of anti-social behaviour and public order offences. The data highlights a combination of local demographics, economic activity, and seasonal factors that shape Crawley's crime profile.

November 2023 saw a notable 45.5% increase in theft from the person, rising from 11 to 16 incidents. This surge, occurring alongside a 24.1% rise in criminal damage and arson, suggests heightened vulnerability in certain areas during the month. Conversely, bicycle theft plummeted by 68%, dropping from 25 to 8 cases—a shift that may reflect changes in seasonal activity or improved security measures. The property crime category, while still dominant, showed a nuanced split: shoplifting rose by 6.2%, while violent crimes remained the largest single category at 32.3% of total offences. This balance between property and violent crime contrasts with the UK average, where violent offences make up a smaller proportion. Shoplifting in Crawley was 155% above the UK average, a figure that could be linked to the town's retail density and the timing of Black Friday promotions. Meanwhile, the rate of robbery fell by 61.5%, from 13 to 5 incidents, a decline that might indicate improved security in high-risk locations such as transport hubs. These fluctuations highlight the importance of tracking month-on-month changes to identify emerging patterns, such as the potential for targeted interventions in shoplifting hotspots or the need to address rising theft from individuals in public spaces.

Crawley's crime rate in November 2023 (10.5 per 1,000 residents) marked a 10.9% decline from the previous month's rate of 11.8 per 1,000, a reduction that may reflect the natural ebb and flow of seasonal crime patterns. On a daily basis, the area recorded approximately 43 crimes per day, a figure that contextualises the monthly total of 1,302 offences. Over the course of November, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 95 residents—a statistic that, while not inherently alarming, underscores the frequency of criminal activity in a densely populated commuter town. When compared to the UK average of 7.5 per 1,000 residents, Crawley's rate remains higher, though the gap has narrowed slightly from earlier in the year. This relative position is particularly evident in categories such as violence and sexual offences (31% above the UK average) and shoplifting (155% above). However, Crawley's performance in certain areas, such as burglary (12% below the UK average), suggests that local factors—potentially including higher rates of home security measures or lower property density—may be influencing outcomes. The monthly exposure figure of 1-in-95 residents provides a tangible reference point for residents, helping to contextualise the likelihood of encountering crime in their daily lives.