Horsham Crime Rate

Horsham currently records a crime rate of 56.0 per 1,000 people, which is significantly lower than the UK average of 91.7. The district maintains an exceptional safety score of 88/100, reflecting its status as one of the most secure areas in the country. The recent crime trend is classified as stable, showing a negligible 0.5% decrease year-over-year. This data, covering December 2024 to November 2025, highlights that the area remains an exceptionally low-crime environment for its 151,521 residents. While the main town centre sees more activity, the district as a whole offers a level of safety that far exceeds national benchmarks, providing significant peace of mind for homeowners and families alike.

About Horsham

Horsham is a large, affluent market town and district in West Sussex, consistently ranked as one of the most desirable and safe places to live in the UK. The area is characterised by its beautiful historic centre, high-quality residential neighbourhoods, and its location within easy reach of both London and the South Coast. The local economy is strong, with a high proportion of professional residents and a thriving service sector.

The district's crime statistics are influenced by its suburban and rural nature. With a lower population density than neighbouring urban centres, Horsham typically experiences very low rates of criminal activity. However, its affluence and excellent transport links can occasionally attract opportunistic property crime. The town centre, with its busy retail and evening economy, naturally sees more activity than the quieter villages in the district. Overall, the combination of high employment, active community engagement, and an exceptionally high safety score makes Horsham one of the most secure and stable districts in the South East, providing a peaceful environment for its 151,521 residents.

Crime in Horsham

Violence and sexual offences are the most frequently recorded crimes in Horsham, totalling 2,779 incidents and making up 32.8% of all reports. Anti-social behaviour is also a notable factor, accounting for 18.4% of reports, followed by shoplifting at 12.2%. These figures reflect a pattern common in very safe districts where social and community-focused offences predominate over more serious organised crime.

Property crime in Horsham is recorded at an exceptionally low rate of 19.8 per 1,000 people. This includes 288 burglaries, 331 vehicle crimes, and 1,037 shoplifting offences. Burglary itself accounts for just 3.4% of total crime, with a rate of 1.9 per 1,000 residents. Although these numbers are significantly below the national average for property crime (32.3), the district's prosperity means that homes and vehicles can still be targets for opportunistic theft. Criminal damage and arson also contribute 8.2% to the total. For residents, these figures highlight that while the overall risk is very low, maintaining consistent security practices is essential for protecting valuable assets. Ensuring that homes are well-secured remains a key priority for maintaining the district's high safety standards.

Horsham Crime Trends

The crime trend in Horsham is remarkably stable, with a tiny 0.5% decrease recorded over the last year. Monthly data shows a consistent pattern of very low activity, with the crime rate per 1,000 starting at 4.2 in December 2024 and ending at 4.1 in November 2025. There was a slight seasonal increase during the spring and summer months, peaking at 5.5 in May, which is a common trend as more people are active outdoors.

This stability is a positive sign for the district, suggesting that crime levels are exceptionally well-managed and not prone to surges. The minor fluctuations throughout the year are typical and do not indicate any underlying shift in the area's safety. For residents of Horsham, this consistent trend reinforces the district's reputation as a reliable and secure place to live and work. Monitoring these trends allows local authorities to maintain their effective community safety strategies.

Horsham sits in an exceptionally safe pocket of the South East. When compared to the more urbanised nearby areas like Crawley or Brighton and Hove, the district's crime rate is significantly lower, making it a premier option for those seeking a secure lifestyle. Its statistics are comparable to other safe neighbours like Mid Sussex and Waverley. Even compared to Worthing or Adur, Horsham maintains an exceptionally competitive safety profile. This regional context reinforces the district's status as a secure and stable environment within the broader West Sussex and South East area.

Protecting Your Property in Horsham

In an exceptionally safe and affluent district like Horsham, property crime—though much less frequent than the national average—remains a key concern for residents. With a property crime rate of 19.8 per 1,000 people, the primary threat is often opportunistic theft targeting high-value homes and vehicles. Traditional security systems, which often only record footage or sound an alarm after a break-in has occurred, are increasingly seen as reactive and insufficient for those seeking total protection.

scOS offers a proactive alternative by using artificial intelligence to detect threats before they reach your home. By monitoring your property's boundaries, scOS can identify suspicious behaviour and intervene autonomously—for example, by activating lights or a speaker. This element of surprise is a powerful deterrent, often causing a potential intruder to move on before any damage is done. For homeowners in Horsham, where properties may have larger grounds or be more secluded, this proactive boundary protection is particularly valuable. It transforms your security from a simple recording device into an active participant in your home's safety, ensuring that you are preventing crime rather than just documenting it. In an area where peace of mind is highly valued, scOS provides the ultimate level of proactive security.

How To Keep Safe in Horsham

The most common crime in Horsham is violence and sexual offences, which accounts for 32.8% of all reports. While the district is exceptionally safe, the following tips can help you maintain your personal security:

1. Be Mindful in the Town Centre: When out in Horsham town centre, especially during the evening, stay aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit, busy areas.
2. Secure Your Property: Even in low-crime areas, always ensure doors and windows are locked when you leave the house or go to bed. Affluent areas can sometimes be targeted for opportunistic theft.
3. Report Suspicious Activity: If you see someone acting unusually in your neighbourhood, report it to the police. Community vigilance is a key factor in keeping the district's crime rates exceptionally low.
4. Stay Connected: When walking alone, let someone know your expected arrival time or use a location-sharing app with a trusted friend or family member.
5. Vehicle Safety: Don't leave any items on display in your car, even if they seem of low value. Opportunistic 'smash and grab' incidents can occur even in the safest neighbourhoods.