Horsham Crime Rate

Introduction to Crime in Horsham

Horsham, with a population of 151,521 residents, presents a detailed picture of crime statistics, showing an overall crime rate of 56.4 per 1,000 people per year. This figure is notably lower than the UK average crime rate of 93.4 per 1,000, indicating a comparatively safer environment. The area boasts a robust safety score of 88 out of 100, significantly above the national average of 78, reinforcing its positive standing. In terms of recent trends, Horsham's crime rate has remained stable, experiencing a slight decrease of 2.4% year-over-year. These statistics provide a foundational understanding of the local crime landscape, setting the stage for a more in-depth analysis of specific crime types and their patterns.

About Horsham

Horsham is a prominent market town and the administrative centre of the Horsham local authority district, characterised by a blend of urban and suburban environments. Its strategic location within West Sussex, coupled with excellent transport links, contributes to both its vibrancy and certain crime patterns. The town serves as a significant commercial and retail hub for the surrounding rural areas, attracting daily commuters and shoppers, which can influence theft-related statistics. While not a major tourist destination, its amenities and green spaces draw visitors, adding to a transient population at various times. The demographic profile, generally affluent with a strong community feel, typically correlates with lower rates of certain crimes. However, the presence of various activities and services means that certain types of offences, particularly those related to retail and public spaces, remain relevant. Understanding these characteristics helps contextualise Horsham's crime rate and its commendable safety score.

Crime Breakdown in Horsham

An examination of crime types in Horsham reveals that Violence and sexual offences constitute the most significant category, accounting for 2,746 crimes, or 18.1 per 1,000 residents, representing 32.2% of the total recorded offences. Following this, Anti-social behaviour is the second most common issue, with 1,518 incidents (10.0 per 1,000, 17.8% of total), impacting community well-being. Shoplifting ranks as the third most frequent crime, with 1,019 reports (6.7 per 1,000, 11.9% of total), often reflecting commercial activity in the area.

Regarding property-related crime, Horsham records a rate of 20.5 per 1,000 people per year, which is considerably lower than the UK average of 33.2 per 1,000. This category encompasses Burglary (303 crimes, 2.0 per 1,000), Other theft (517 crimes, 3.4 per 1,000), Vehicle crime (403 crimes, 2.7 per 1,000), Criminal damage and arson (713 crimes, 4.7 per 1,000), Bicycle theft (56 crimes, 0.4 per 1,000), Robbery (56 crimes, 0.4 per 1,000), and Theft from the person (46 crimes, 0.3 per 1,000). For residents and homeowners, these figures suggest a relatively lower risk of property-related offences compared to the national picture, though vigilance, especially concerning theft and vehicle crime, remains advisable.

Crime Trends in Horsham

Analysing the crime trends in Horsham reveals a stable picture, with a year-over-year decrease of 2.4% in total crimes. This indicates a consistent level of safety in the area over the past twelve months. Examining the monthly trend data, the crime rate per 1,000 residents fluctuated, starting at 4.3 in October 2024 and peaking at 5.5 in May 2025, before settling at 4.6 in September 2025. Notably, there was a consistent rise from January 2025 (4.0) to May 2025 (5.5), suggesting a seasonal increase in activity during spring, which then saw a slight dip and stabilisation towards the end of the period. For residents, this stable trend is reassuring, indicating no significant escalation in overall crime. While there are minor monthly variations, the overarching stability suggests that the local authorities and community efforts are effectively managing crime levels.

Crime in Nearby Areas

To provide regional context, Horsham's crime statistics can be compared with several similar areas. Adur, Crawley, and Worthing are coastal and urban areas with varying crime profiles, often influenced by population density and commercial activity. Mid Sussex, similar to Horsham in its mix of market towns and rurality, offers a useful comparison for suburban crime patterns. Brighton and Hove, a larger city with a significant nightlife and tourist economy, typically experiences higher crime rates, providing a stark contrast to Horsham's more subdued figures. Lastly, Waverley, a predominantly rural district, generally exhibits lower crime rates, which can highlight Horsham's position as a moderately safe area within the wider region. These comparisons demonstrate that Horsham maintains a favourable position in terms of safety when viewed against its neighbours, offering a relatively secure environment for its residents.

Protecting Your Property in Horsham

Given Horsham's property crime rate of 20.5 per 1,000 people, which is below the national average, it is still prudent for residents to consider robust home security measures. Traditional security approaches, such as standard CCTV cameras, often only provide footage after an incident has occurred, merely recording a burglary rather than preventing it. For genuine peace of mind and proactive protection, consider advanced solutions.

Systems like scOS offer an AI-powered home security operating system designed to prevent crime before it happens. Instead of simply notifying you after the fact, scOS detects threats at your property boundary using multi-camera intelligence that watches all cameras simultaneously. This proactive approach means potential intruders are identified and deterred before they can gain entry. Features like autonomous response, where lights activate and speakers engage, destroy the element of surprise, making burglars rethink their actions. Most burglars decide within 60 seconds whether to proceed; visible and intelligent deterrence makes them move on. While DIY systems have their place, professional-grade equipment like scOS signals serious protection, actively intervening in real-time to safeguard your home against property-related offences.